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Comprehension Questions – Little Women (Unabridged Version)

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Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott

Grades 4-9; Genre – Fiction; GRL Z; AR pts: 33.0

Growing up in New England during the Civil War, the March sisters share everything — their joys and troubles, their loves and secrets. But the four girls couldn't be more different. Meg, the oldest, is the sensible writer. Jo is funny and mischievous. Beth is the shy, dreamy one, and Amy is pretty and artistic. From dances to despairs, through weddings and funerals, the March girls stand as sisters. This is one family you will never forget.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Part I

Chapter 1

  1. What is the setting, the characters’ situation and explain what they’re doing at the beginning of the story? New England during the Civil War in a home in front of the fire and it’s almost Christmas; they’re all sitting around talking and complaining about not being rich and how their father is away to war p.3
  2. Describe each character. Meg: 16 years old, the oldest of all four sisters, good big sister who lectures them; Josephine or Jo: 15 years old, Tom-boy, bookworm, loves to write, jokester, loud; Elizabeth or Beth: peace maker, the “Mouse” or pet of the family, loves music, shy & quiet, gentle, her father calls her “Little Tranquility”; Amy: the youngest, around 12 years old, carries herself like a prim and proper young lady, artistic, feels she’s the most important out of the sisters
  3. How do the girls feel about their mother and what do they call her? They adore her; Marmee p.7
  4. What motivated the girls to become and do better? A letter from their father p.11

Chapter 2

  1. What did the girls all receive from their mother on Christmas morning? Books (possibly the Bible) p.14
  2. What good deed did the March family do on Christmas morning? Give breakfast to a very poor family with a sick mother; gave them wood and started a fire to warm their freezing home; Hannah the house servant stuffed the cracks of the house with old hats and her own shawl; gave them clothes p.17
  3. How did the March family spend Christmas day? After serving the family down the lane, they got out their costumes and props and put on a play about Roderigo and his love Zara. Then they had a lovely dinner p.23
  4. Who brought the March family such a lovely dinner and why? Old Mr. Lawrence because he heard of the girls helping the family that morning and wanted to send them a treat p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What happened to Meg’s hair as Jo curled it? The curling iron was too hot and burned her hair off p.27
  2. Why was Jo destined to not enjoy the party? She had to hide and not dance because of her clothes and she’s not prim and proper like the other girls and instead would rather go talk to the boys, but isn’t able to p.28
  3. Why did Joe and Laurie get along so well? Jo was comfortable to be with and Laurie had interesting things to talk about p.30
  4. What happened to Meg the party? She twisted her ankle p.33
  5. How did the girls get home from the party? In Laurie’s carriage p.34

Chapter 4

  1. Why did the girls work and have jobs? Because their father lost his property by trying to help a friend and the girls wanted to help their parents bring in income p.39
  2. Describe why Meg struggles with being poor. She remembers when her family had wealth and knows what she’s missing out on and the family she works for is wealthy and has sisters that are her age and doing the things she wants to be doing p.39
  3. Why didn’t the March’s let their Aunt March adopt the girls? They didn’t care about money, worldliness or the fortune they would have gained and know that staying all together rich or poor was more important p.39
  4. List two things that are important to Beth. Taking care of the dolls; music p.41
  5. Summarize Marmee’s experience she’d had that day that she shared with the girls. She was at work thinking about her husband at war, when a man came in and said two of his sons died, one was a prisoner of war and he was going to the one son he could go to. She felt rich and happy, thinking of her blessings and made him a nice bundle, gave him some money and thanked him for the lesson he had taught her p.46

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jo visit Laurie? He invited her; he was sick and wanted to read to him so he wouldn’t be lonely p.50
  2. Describe what happened when Mr. Laurence overheard Jo making comments to herself while looking at his picture? He liked what she said, he knew her grandfather and invited her to tea p.55
  3. What medicine did Jo’s mom send to help Laurie get better? Jo p.57

Chapter 6

  1. What influence did the March girls have on Laurie? Good; made him want to be better p.61
  2. How did Mr. Laurence mend his relationship with Beth? Spoke kindly to her; invited girls to play his piano p.62
  3. What did Mr. Laurence give to Beth as a thank you for the slippers she made him? A piano p.64
  4. What did Beth do in response to receiving the piano? Walked into Mr. Laurence’s study, kissed and hugged him p.66

Chapter 7

  1. What do the limes represent at the beginning of this chapter? Friendship, popularity and they were debts of honor p.69
  2. Describe Mr. Davis. Amy’s teacher; didn’t like limes or any other fad the girls go through; very intelligent; fine teacher p.70
  3. Explain how Amy became humiliated. Getting slapped by the ruler on the hand for bringing limes to school p.72
  4. How did Mrs. March respond to Amy’s punishment? She didn’t like it and took her out of the school, but still felt Amy shouldn’t have disobeyed the rules p.73

Chapter 8

  1. Where did Meg and Jo get to go that made Amy jealous and whine like a spoilt child? The theatre with Laurie p.77
  2. What did Amy do to get revenge on Jo? Burned her manuscript p.79
  3. What was Jo’s reaction to Amy burning her book? She said she’d never forgive her and stopped talking to her p.80
  4. What helped Jo repent of her anger towards Amy? Jo didn’t stop her from ice skating to the middle of the river and Amy fell in p.82

Chapter 9

  1. Where was Meg going for a fortnight and why was her mother hesitant to give permission? To be with a girl named Sallie who has a fashionable life; her mother was worried since Meg would probably come back feeling more discontented then she already was p.89
  2. What did Laurie send Meg that helped cheer her up? Flowers p.91
  3. Describe the interaction between Laurie and Meg at the party? She was embarrassed to be all dressed up; Laurie disapproved of her dress and behavior; they danced and Meg asked him not to tell her mother p.97
  4. How did MIrs. March respond to Meg’s confessions? She felt sorry that she allowed her daughter to have to deal with her experiences of overhearing the Moffat’s gossip p.101
  5. What ambitions does Mrs. March have for her daughter? To marry for love; to be respected, happy, contended, beloved rather than to be rich and not respected; She’d rather them be old maids then to marry for the wrong reasons p.103

Chapter 10

  1. Why would the sisters call their private club the “Pickwick Club” if they liked Charles Dickens? It was the name of his first novel p.105
  2. What was included on the “Pickwick Portfolio”? poems; stories; letters to Pickwick; news; dedications; advertisements; announcements; helps p.105
  3. Why didn’t the girls want to allow Laurie into their club? They were worried he’d laugh and make fun of their paper; they’re not proper p.111
  4. What did Laurie bring as a gift of joining the P.C.? a mailbox/post office to put between their homes p.112

Chapter 11

  1. What’s the experiment the girl’s mom said they could try? To have all play and no work the entire week p.115
  2. What happened when the girls woke up and found Hannah wasn’t working in the morning? They were a bit dismayed, but got to work and put together breakfast and tea p.118
  3. What happened to Meg’s canary a result of her not doing her jobs and taking care of him? He died p.119
  4. What was the lesson the girls learned that week of idleness? Comfort depends on each doing their part; burdens are good for us and work is wholesome; it keeps everyone out of mischief; 124

Chapter 12

  1. What did Laurie invite the girls to? A picnic at his house the next day p.128
  2. Describe Jo’s experience playing croquet. She was highly competitive with Fred, who rolled his ball with his foot. Jo was angry and called him a cheater. Her ball got knocked away and she came back cool and quiet. She was patient and won her team the game p.132
  3. What was going to happen to Mr. Brooke after Laurie headed off to college? He’s to become a soldier p.142
  4. What language did Miss Kate encourage Meg to continue learning? German p.142

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Laurie follow the girls as they left their yard? He was anxious since he was having a bad day and wanted to spend time with them p.147
  2. What’s the Celestial City spoken of? Heaven p.150
  3. What plan did Jo make while spending the afternoon on Delectable Mountain? That in ten years they would all meet and see how close they were to making their castle (or dream) p.152
  4. What was the result of Meg’s reprimand and motherly kindness toward Laurie? He resolved to do his duty and stay with his grandfather while he needs him p.155

Chapter 14

  1. What’s a billiard saloon and why didn’t Jo want Laurie to go in one? A bar with a pool table; she’s worried he would get in bad habits of spending money, wasting time and becoming unrespectable p.159
  2. What secrets did Laurie and Jo exchange? Jo had turned in two stories to the newspaper; Laurie knew where Meg’s missing glove is p.161
  3. Why was Jo emotional and thrilled at her stories being published? It meant a lot to her to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved p.165

Chapter 15

  1. What did the telegram say that came to the March’s home? Their father is ill and beckoned Mrs. March to come at once p.168
  2. What did Jo do to contribute to Mrs. March’s travels to go help her husband? Earned $25 by cutting off her hair p.171
  3. Who went from bed to bed looking at each girl and kissing each face? Mrs. March p.174

Chapter 16

  1. What motto did the girls come up with to say while Mrs. March was away? “Hope and keep busy” p.177
  2. Who wrote letters to Mrs. March? Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, Laurie, Hannah, Mr. Laurence p.178
  3. What did the letters express? Their love for Mrs. and Mr. March; what they’re doing at home; how others are treating them p.178

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Beth want the other girls or Hannah to go to the Hummels? The baby was sick and she didn’t know what to do p.186
  2. Describe Beth’s experience at the Hummels when no one else would go? The baby died in her arms and now she has Scarlet Fever as the rest of the family p.188
  3. Why was Amy upset she was being sent to Aunt March’s? she didn’t want to be gotten rid of; it’s dull at Aunt March’s and she’s cross p.189

Chapter 18

  1. Why did the doctor send for Beth’s mom? Because Beth was getting near death p.195
  2. In what ways did Laurie comfort Jo? Got her wine, held her hand, spoke encouragingly, stroking her head, telegrammed her mother about the sickness so she’d be there tonight p.196
  3. What did it mean for Jo to “fly” at Laurie and how did he respond? She wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her; He liked it p.198
  4. What turn did Beth take in the night as the doctor predicted? She turned for better; her fever went away p.200

Chapter 19

  1. Describe Amy’s experience at Aunt March’s home. Difficult; the dog and bird made things difficult; Aunt March desires to bring her up properly; Esther is kind and helpful to her and lets her look through the jewelry in the Indian cabinet p.203
  2. What legal document did Amy write and why was it so important to her? A will; to make sure her treasures were handed out and that no ill will was caused in case she died p.208
  3. What was Amy’s last and greatest sacrifice that she wanted to add to her will? Her locks cut off and given to her friends p.210

Chapter 20

  1. What did Aunt March give to Amy? The turquoise ring and guard p.213
  2. What was Amy’s biggest trial? Being selfish p.214
  3. How does Mrs. March feel about John Brooke and why? She likes him; he spoke to her and Meg’s father about loving Meg; he’s respectable and has a good heart p.216
  4. How does Meg feel about John Brooke? She doesn’t love him yet, but will learn to p.217

Chapter 21

  1. What was the mischief Laurie got into and why? Jo wouldn’t tell him her secret and he figured it was about Mr. Brooke and Meg, so he wrote love letters from Mr. Brooke to Meg p.220
  2. Why was Laurie so upset when Jo went to go apologize to him? His grandfather wanted to know why Jo’s mother wanted to talk with him and he wouldn’t say since he’d promised Mrs. March, so his grandfather got angry and shook him for not telling p.224
  3. How did Jo make peace with Mr. Laurence? Told him that Laurie had already gone through the process and really wasn’t able to tell on account of someone else involved and that Mr. Laurence should write a letter apologizing to Laurie p.228
  4. How did the prank from Laurie affect Meg? It made her think more about Mr. Brooke in a romantic way p.230

Chapter 22

  1. What was the grandest gift on Christmas Day? Mr. March returning home p.234
  2. What did the March girls’ father say about each of them? How proud he is of them; complimented and noticed how each of them is maturing and growing in the areas they’ve been working on p.236

Chapter 23

  1. What was Meg’s original plan to tell Mr. Brooke if he asked her to marry him? That she’s too young and that they should continue to be friends p.241
  2. How did Meg respond when Mr. Brooke professed his love to her? She acted strangely and said she’d choose not to learn to love him, to please go away and let her be p.243
  3. What did Aunt March say to switch Meg over from acting strangely toward Mr. Brooke to defending him? If Meg married Mr. Brooke, she wouldn’t receive any money from Aunt March’s inheritance p.244
  4. Why was Jo so upset with Meg’s engagement? She felt she had lost her best friend p.249

Part II

Chapter 24

  1. What’s Mr. March’s line of work? He’s a minister at a parish p.253
  2. Describe Meg and John’s first home. The name of it is Dovecote; small and brown with a little garden behind it and a tiny lawn p.256
  3. How did Laurie come by the nickname “Mr. Toodles”? Jo named him that because every week he was bringing an “ingenious article” for Meg to help her get her home ready p.258
  4. Why does Laurie spend so much money? He loans it to people p.262

Chapter 25

  1. What is the metaphor on page 266 that describes Mrs. March’s feelings and what does it mean? “there was a secret sorrow hidden in the motherly heart, at the flight of the first bird from the nest”; it means her mother was sorrowing for her first daughter leaving home p.266
  2. Describe Meg on her wedding day. She wore a dress she made herself; didn’t want to be made up to be a show, but wanted to be herself; kind and loving; thoughtful; didn’t care if people saw her in her wedding dress before the wedding p.267
  3. What promise did Meg press Laurie into making? That he would never accept wine from a young lady p.169
  4. What did Mr. Laurence mean when he said, “Laurie, my lad, if you ever want to indulge in this sort of thing, get one of those little girls to help you, and I shall be perfectly satisfied.” If Laurie ever wanted to get married, have one of the March girls help him plan it and put it together p.271

Chapter 26

  1. Why does being an attractive and accomplished woman come easily to Amy? She was a happy person who could please others without effort, she could make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily p.274
  2. How did Amy want to show appreciation to her friends at the art school? Having them over for a lunch and art day p.275
  3. Who all came to Amy’s gathering? One young woman, Miss Eliott p.281
  4. What did Amy gain from this experience? That she had been a fool p.282

Chapter 27

  1. What did Jo decide to try after talking with the boy at the lecture? Writing a story that wasn’t her style for a prize p.285
  2. What did Jo’s prize money pay for? Time away for Mrs. March and Beth to go to the sea-side p.287
  3. How much money did Jo get for her novel? $300 p.289

Chapter 28

  1. Who is the Martha the author is referring to at the beginning of this chapter? Martha the sister of Mary in the Bible who Jesus told was “careful and troubled about many things” as she was cumbered about much serving p.291
  2. Why was Meg crying in the kitchen as John arrived home with a friend for dinner? She had tried all day to make the jelly become thick and wasn’t able to and the house was a mess and she was exhausted p.295
  3. What was the consequence of Meg buying the silk for the dress? She felt terrible and it haunted her since it was so expensive; made John feel bad that he didn’t make very much money p.302
  4. How did this chapter end? John and Meg had twins named Margaret and John Laurence p.305

Chapter 29

  1. How did Jo feel about making calls with Amy? She didn’t like it at all; she didn’t like dressing up or acting agreeable p.308
  2. How did Jo act around rich people? She didn’t put on airs and felt like she could tell stories since the people knew they were poor p.311
  3. What’s Jo’s reaction to boys? She’s very comfortable; casual; doesn’t care about her dress so gets it dirty; loves to share stories p.313
  4. Describe the contrast between Amy’s attitude and Jo’s attitude by the time the girls called at Aunt March’s? Amy was angelic, kind and grateful; Jo was harsh, independent and negative p.317

Chapter 30

  1. Why did Amy get angry at the Chester’s? May was jealous of Amy and found out about the things Jo had said about her, so told her mother and they made Amy leave the table she had been given p.322
  2. What quote did Amy read that helped her love the Chesters? “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” p.322
  3. Who came and helped Amy out during the fair? her family; Laurie and his friends; Hayes by bringing lots of flowers p.324
  4. What did Aunt March and Aunt Carrol invite Amy to do? Go abroad and travel p.328

Chapter 31

  1. Who came to visit Amy while in London? Laurie’s friends Fred and Frank that Amy met at Camp Laurence p.335
  2. Who joined Amy’s touring group in France and why was Amy grateful? Fred; he spoke French; he’s very agreeable and polite p.337
  3. What does Amy assume Fred is going to ask her? To marry him p.340

Chapter 32

  1. What did Jo think the matter was with Beth upon her first observation? That she was in love with Laurie p.343
  2. What do you predict is wrong with Beth? Could be she’s sad to not marry; she’s in love with Lauri; she’s still very weak and sick p.349
  3. Where does Jo want to go and why? New York to a boarding-house; she fears Laurie is growing too fond of her p.350
  4. What did Laurie tell Jo as they said good-bye? That his eye was on her and to mind what she does, or he’ll come and bring her home p.352

Chapter 33

  1. Who does Jo find interesting at Mrs. Kirke’s home? Professor Bhaer p.356
  2. Who follows around the Professor? Tina p.357
  3. What agreement did Jo and Mr. Bhaer come to? She would mend his things; he would teach her German p.362
  4. How did Jo and the boarding-house celebrate the New Year? They had a masquerade p.364

Chapter 34

  1. Why was Jo nervous to write another novel? Because of the public opinions she received the first time around p.367
  2. What effect did Jo feel from writing sensational stories? She was beginning to desecrate some of the womanliest attributes of a woman’s character p.371
  3. What did Jo realize about the celebrities she saw at the symposium? That they were just like everyday people p.373
  4. What did Mr. Bhaer say that troubled Jo? The sensational stories in the newspapers are trash p.376

Chapter 35

  1. What did Laurie finally tell Jo? That he loved her p.384
  2. What made Laurie so upset about the Professor? He felt that Jo loved him or would learn to love him p.385
  3. Why didn’t Laurie want to go abroad anymore? He wanted to stay home to call on Jo still; he never planned to go abroad alone p.390
  4. What did Mr. Laurence plan to help Laurie get through his heartache? Traveling abroad with him p.391

Chapter 36

  1. What’s Beth secret? That she’s dying p.395
  2. What did Beth compare her health to? The tide of the ocean p.396
  3. What did Jo’s parents know about Beth upon their arriving home from the beach? That Beth was going to die p.398

Chapter 37

  1. Who came to spend Christmas with Amy in Nice? Laurie p.400
  2. What did Amy notice as she first spent time with Laurie? That he had changed and seemed dispirited and indifferent p.402
  3. What did Laurie notice as he spent time with Amy? That she was mature, carried herself well and was interested in and like what he saw as he looked at her p.403
  4. How did the two like the new impressions they were giving and receiving? They found them agreeable p.410

Chapter 38

  1. Why did John go to the neighbors in the evening? Because Meg was always busy with the babies and he felt uncomfortable and even lonely p.412
  2. What’s the advice Meg’s mother gave her about John? Children should draw you nearer to each other than separate you; let John help her in the nursery with the babies; Let John take care of Demi and let Hannah come and help her p.414
  3. How did Meg’s mother’s advice help? John was pleased; he helped with Demi and Meg was glad for it; he read to her what he was interested in and he asked in return about the bonnet she was sewing p.421
  4. Why did Sallie Moffat like to be at Meg’s home? There’s a charm there with the love between Meg and John as well as the joy that comes from children p.423

Chapter 39

  1. Why did Amy get easily frustrated with Laurie? Because he was lazy and indifferent p.428
  2. Why doesn’t Amy want to be an artist anymore? She realized how insignificant she was after going to Rome and seeing the wonders there p.429
  3. What did Amy figure out after seeing the old ring Jo gave Laurie? That Laurie loved Jo and she rejected him p.433
  4. What was Amy’s advice to Laurie and how did she show him who he used to be? Find another task that will make him happy; by showing him a picture of the past when he was taming a horse p.435

Chapter 40

  1. How did Beth’s family show their love to her as she came closer to death? Gave her the most pleasant room in the house; surrounded her with the things she loved; all put their work things in there to be with her consistently p.439
  2. How was Beth preparing for death? Praying, reading the Bible and singing songs p.441
  3. Why did Jo’s poem comfort Beth? She realized she had done good and helped someone p.444
  4. What’s the “valley of the shadow”? death p.444

Chapter 41

  1. Why did Laurie begin to wish he had to work for his daily bread? He needed something purposeful to do and it wasn’t easy to do this being rich p.448
  2. How was Mozart an example to Laurie? When he couldn’t have one sister, he married the other p.450
  3. What did Laurie do once Jo had responded and left him no hope of her loving him? He took of the ring, put it in the box with Jo’s letters and locked them all up. Then he started writing Amy p.451
  4. How did Laurie propose to Amy? During the day when they were on the lake and were sitting side by side rowing together. Laurie said that he wished they might always pull in the same boat, then asked, “will you, Amy?” p.457

Chapter 42

  1. What was Jo trying so hard to do? Her duty; devote her life to her parents as she promised Beth and cheerfully live for others p.461
  2. Explain why Jo’s heartfelt stories were now accepted and paid for? Jo put her heart into it and didn’t write for fame or money, so it was good and true p.462
  3. Why didn’t Marmee tell Jo her suspicions about Amy and Laurie? Jo might be jealous; she might congratulate them before things were finalized; since Jo was so lonely, she might have said yes if Laurie came back and asked again p.463
  4. Who did Jo wish would come to her? The professor p.465

Chapter 43

  1. Who did Jo see as she woke up from her nap? Laurie p.468
  2. Why were Amy and Laurie married before coming home? The Carrol’s were staying another winter and Mr. Laurence wanted to come home and Laurie was to join him, but the Carrol’s wouldn’t let Amy go without a chaperone p.470
  3. What kind of relationship will Laurie and Jo continue to have? A brother, sister relationship p.471
  4. Who arrived after Amy and Laurie and how did Jo feel about it? Mr. Bhaer; she was thrilled and so happy p.476

Chapter 44

  1. What are Laurie’s plans now that he’s married and back at home? He wants to start his own business p.483
  2. How does Laurie feel about Jo marrying Mr. Bhaer? He’s happy for her though he does wish he was younger and richer p.485
  3. What’s Amy’s dream come true now that she’s married to Laurie? She has the power to give freely p.485
  4. What bargain did Amy and Laurie make with each other at the end of the chapter? They would help other people in need p.487

Chapter 45

  1. Describe Daisy. Rosy, chubby, sunshiny, everyone was a friend and she offered kisses to them p.489
  2. Describe Demi. Very inquisitive, philosopher, wanted to know everything p.490
  3. Who did Mr. Bhaer call on when he visited? Mr. March p.492
  4. Why did Jo squeeze Demi in the china closet and give him a slice of bread with jelly instead of punishing him? She was happy to learn Mr. Bhaer was referring to her in his answer to Demi asking about great boys liking great girls p.494

Chapter 46

  1. How did Jo feel about Mr. Bhaer not visiting for three days in a row? Cross; agitated p.496
  2. How did the shopping go with Mr. Bhaer? Her shopping didn’t go well, but when she shopped for things he needed it went really well p.500
  3. What happened under the umbrella? Friedrich asked Jo to marry him p.502
  4. What did Jo call the Professor and how did he respond? Friedrich; he was grateful p.503

Chapter 47

  1. What did Jo decide to do with Plumfield that was left to her by Aunt March? She wants to open a boys’ school p.511
  2. Why did she want to open a boys’ school? She loves boys and wants to help them p.513
  3. How many children did Jo and Fritz have? Two boys p.515
  4. Describe Amy and Laurie’s daughter and how she is similar to Amy’s sister Beth. She’s frail and sickly p.519

Comprehension Questions – Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia

By Katherine Paterson

Grades 4-8; Genre – Fiction; GRL T; AR pts: 5.0

There's only one thing Jess Aarons is looking forward to in fifth grade, and that's being the fastest kid in school. He's been practicing all summer. He hasn't had much else to do, since his mom spends all her time with his four sisters and his dad is always working. But when Jess arrives at the school playground to show off his speed, his new neighbor, Leslie Burke, beats him to it. She's way faster than Jess. But instead of being jealous, Jess admires Leslie's skill, confidence, and wild imagination. The two become instant friends, spending hours in the woods by their houses creating a magical kingdom. Then tragedy strikes, and Jess is left alone. How can he ever go on?

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the main character. His name is Jesse, loves to draw, love to run and wants to win at school, straw colored hair, long legs, 10 years old, in 5th grade determined p.4
  2. Find an example of figurative language and what type it is on page 5.  like a country music star – simile;  Pop her buttons - simile; something to chew their cuds on - idiom 
  3. Describe the main character’s family situation. He had three sisters, two younger with May Belle who adored him, and two older sisters; they all seemed to whine and complain about him to their mother; his mother didn’t have much patience for him and doted on his sisters; Jesse’s dad drove a truck and was tired all of the time p.6
  4. On page 7, what does “Miss Bessie’s bag is probably dragging ground by now” mean? Her udder is so full of milk it’s dragging on the ground p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Who did Jess love and adore? Miss Edmunds the music teacher Why? She had a soft voice, played the guitar well, was gorgeous and kind to him about his art p.14
  2. What word would you use to describe how Jess felt when his father paid attention to the little girls? Jealous; sad p.19
  3. Who did Jess meet in this chapter? His neighbor, Leslie Burke p.22

Chapter 3

  1. Why was everyone shocked to see the new student Leslie Burke, when she came into class? She was dressed in faded blue jeans and a t-shirt, wearing shoes without socks when the rest of the students were wearing their Sunday best p.24
  2. Where did the students each their lunch? In their classrooms p.29
  3. Why didn’t Jess want to look at Leslie during the races? Maybe she would go away; he didn’t want her there p.32
  4. Who had run the race and how did Jesse react? Leslie; Jess still wanted nothing to do with her p.35

Chapter 4

  1. Explain the change that happened to Jess during music time. He wanted to become Leslie’s friend p.40
  2. How did students respond to Leslie stating she didn’t have a television? Shocked; made fun of her p.44
  3. How did Leslie get May Belle to go home when she and Jess wanted to run in the woods? Gave her paper dolls p.48
  4. What is Terabithia? A pretend country where Leslie and Jess would build their fortress p.51
  5. How did Jess feel about Leslie? She was more than a friend; she was his other, more exciting self p.59

Chapter 5

  1. Why was May Belle so upset with Janice Avery? Janice stole her twinkies p.62
  2. How did Leslie and Jess get back at Janice for stealing the twinkies? Writing a love note from a boy everyone has a crush on; humiliating her p.65
  3. How did Leslie distract the teacher Mrs. Pierce from going into the classroom where Jess was hiding the note for Janice? To go look at a nest and identify what built it p.68
  4. Why were May Belle’s eyes shining at the end of this chapter? She was so happy and excited Jess and Leslie got Janice back for stealing her twinkies p.71

Chapter 6

  1. Why did Jess want to give Leslie a Christmas present? She was a good friend; he cared for her p.73
  2. Who is Prince Terrien? The puppy Jess gave Leslie for Christmas p.77
  3. Describe two examples of how Jess’s family reacted on Christmas morning? Jealousy for not getting hose, frustration cars wouldn’t work on racetrack, crying since doll stopped talking, showing off and rubbing in present, patience with May Belle p.80
  4. What did Leslie do to help it feel like Christmas again? She came and visited with Jess while he milked the cow that morning p.82

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jess have a hard time liking Leslie’s dad? He was jealous of him taking all of Leslie’s time p.86
  2. How was Jess helpful to Leslie and her dad? He knew how to do things around the house p.87
  3. Why was Janice Avery crying in the bathroom? She’s embarrassed because she told her friends about her father beating her and they told the entire seventh grade p.95
  4. Why was it so important to Jess that May Belle keep Terabithia a secret? It’s a special place that he and Leslie go, and he doesn’t want that to get ruined p.98

Chapter 8

  1. was Leslie interested in going to church on Easter? She’d never been to church before and she’d like to experience it p.103
  2. How did Leslie feel about the church service? She thought it was beautiful p.107
  3. What did May Belle, Jess debate about after church? That Leslie needed to believe in the Bible or she’d be damned to hell p.109

Chapter 9

  1. What was the result of Jess and Leslie’s adventures to Terabithia as rain was pouring? Wet; had to cross the creek bed as it rose higher and higher; water beginning to leak into their fortress p.115
  2. Why did Jess want to go to Terabithia when it was raining? It scared him p.119

Chapter 10

  1. When thinking about crossing the creek come summertime, what solution did Jess come up with to help him get over his fear? Leslie could teach him to swim p.122
  2. Why had Miss Edmunds invited Jess to go to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.? so he could go to an art gallery p.126
  3. How was the display of the Indians and buffalo like Jess’s drawings? He had animals falling off cliffs p.128
  4. Why was Jess’s family so worried about him when he came home from Washington D.C.? Leslie had died and they thought he was with her and died too p.130

Chapter 11

  1. What word could describe Jess as he learned how Leslie had died? Sad, in denial, shocked p.131
  2. Why was Jess eating pancakes like nothing had happened? He thought it was all a bad dream and didn’t really happen p.137
  3. Why was it important for Jess and his parents to go see the neighbors about Leslie’s death? To show them they care and were sorry for their daughter’s death p.139

Chapter 12

  1. Why did Jess feel important when he realized his best friend was dead? People would treat him with respect and be nice to him p.143
  2. When Jess found out Leslie was being cremated, why was he so angry? He wouldn’t be able to see her again, even dead p.145
  3. Why did Jess throw his painting supplies and paper into the creek? He was angry at Leslie for leaving him p.147

Chapter 13

  1. What important thing did Jess do in the stronghold? Make a funeral wreath for Leslie p.152
  2. Where had Jess gotten the words he said aloud in the sacred grove? The Bible; Jesus Christ said them as he died on the cross p.153
  3. Why did May Belle try to cross the creek? She didn’t want Jess to be lonesome p.156
  4. What did Jess learn from his conversation with Ms. Myers? That he would never forget Leslie p.160
  5. How did Jess turn Terabithia over to May Belle? Put flowers in her hair and helped her see the magic of Terabithia and making her queen p.163

Comprehension Questions – My Father’s Dragon

My Father’s Dragon

By Ruth Stiles Gannett

Grades 3-5; Genre – Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts: 1.0

When Elmer Elevator hears about the plight of an overworked and under-appreciated flying baby dragon, he packs his knapsack with supplies and stows away on a ship headed for Wild Island. Nothing will stop Elmer from rescuing the dragon!

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What point of view is this story being told in? third person p.9
  2. Who is narrating and who is this story about? A son telling a story about his father, Elmer Elevator p.9
  3. How did Elmer’s mother feel about feeding the stray cat and why? She didn’t like it because if she fed it more stray cats would come around p.11
  4. Describe the alley cat. Old, female, can talk, traveler, good companionship for Elmer, kind p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What example of figurative language describes the cat speaking like a human? Alliteration p.15
  2. Why did the animals on the island want to catch the dragon? So they could use him as transportation instead of walking all the way around to the other side of the island p.17
  3. How did the animals treat the baby dragon if he complains? Beat him and twist his wing p.17

Chapter 3

  1. How did the author’s father get off the ship without getting caught? Hid inside a grain bag and used a rubber band to tie it on the inside p.22
  2. Why wasn’t the author’s father bothered when the fisherman shook with fear talking about Wild Island? He knew the dragon wasn’t scary p.24
  3. Why was it important for the author’s father to travel to the island at night? He was hopping over rocks and the animals on the island would have seen him in the day and he didn’t want them to see him p.25

Chapter 4

  1. How did the animals know something strange was on the island? Saw tangerine peels laying around, the “rock” had moved from its place p.32
  2. How was the main character able to stay hidden? Traveled at night and held onto his peels p.32

Chapter 5

  1. Why couldn’t the main character continue to follow the river and instead ventured further into the jungle? The river was so muddy he got stuck in the ooze and decided to travel in the jungle next to the river using his compass, but the river had a bend he didn’t know about that took him away from it p.35
  2. How many tigers crept up on Elmer? 7 p.37
  3. What knowledge did the cat give to the main character that helped him stop the tigers from eating him? The tigers love chewing gum p.38

Chapter 6

  1. Who was the main character careful to hide from at the beginning of this chapter? Two wild boars p.44
  2. Explain why the rhinoceros was weeping as well as how Elmer helped him. His tusk used to be white, but with age has turned yellow-gray and Elmer brushed his tusk with a toothbrush and toothpaste p.48

Chapter 7

  1. Why was the lion so upset? He had blackberry twigs stuck in his mane and was worried for his mom see him such a mess that she would stop his allowance p.52
  2. What did Elder do to help the lion? Give him a comb, brush and ribbons and showed him how to make his mane pretty p.54

Chapter 8

  1. What animal threatened to twist the main character’s arms like he does the dragon’s wings? A gorilla p.60
  2. What did Elmer give the monkeys to help them get the fleas off the gorilla and how did that help? Magnifying glasses so they could see the tiny fleas p.62
  3. Explain how the main character was freed from the gorilla. More monkeys came out of the trees and surrounded the gorilla as they were wanting to try the magnifying glasses p.64

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t the main character pull on the rope to have the dragon fly over to him? Elmer was worried about the gorilla twisting the dragon’s wings and stopping him from freeing him p.65
  2. Why was Elmer not interested in swimming in the river with the crocodiles? He knew he’d be eaten p.66
  3. What did Elmer do to get to the other side of the river? Used lollipops to make the crocodiles line up so he could walk across them. He put the first lollipop in the sand on the beach, then walked across the crocodile and used a robber band to tie a lollipop onto his tail for the next crocodile and so on p.68

Chapter 10

  1. Explain how the crocodiles helped Elmer have the time he needed to free the dragon? The first crocodile finished his sucker and began floating down the river with all the other crocodiles following as they wanted to finish their suckers. The animals had been crossing the river and were stuck on the crocodiles p.76
  2. Who called to the main character and the dragon from the island as they were heading to Tangerine island? The mouse p.76

Comprehension Questions – Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor

Grades 6-9; Genre – Fiction; GRL W; AR pts: 10.0

The land is all-important to the Logan family. But it takes a while for Cassie and her three brothers to understand just how lucky they are to have it. They must learn the hard way that having a place they can call their own in rural Mississippi permits the Logans the luxuries of pride and courage that their poor black sharecropper neighbors can't afford.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. 1933 in Mississippi, autumn time, it was morning as the main characters were walking to school on a dirt road, passing the white kids school, then in the school for black kids p.24
  2. Who are the Logan children? Little Man, Cassie, Christopher-John and Stacey; children who are a family who live in Mississippi with their mama, papa, and Big Ma; children who are the descendents of slaves p.2
  3. Define racism and give an example from this chapter. A belief that one group of persons is superior to another, usually with color of skin. Ex. Berry’s getting burned by some white men p.6; White kids on a bus, where our characters can’t ride the bus p.8; Jeremy getting beat up because he walks with the main characters to school p.9; white kids go to one school our main characters have to go to another p.10; they got all of the old used books the white kids had used and what the books called them p.17
  4. Why were most of the children at the Great Faith school have such thread worn clothes and shoes that were too small to wear? They were all so poor; they worked on plantations and didn’t make very much money p.11
  5. Why didn’t Cassie and Little Man want the books the school was giving them? Because of what the books called them p.18

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Papa bring home Mr. Morrison? He lost his job and he was going to work as a hired hand at the Logan’s farm p.27
  2. Explain in your own words what happened to the Berry’s. they stopped at a gas station for gas and Henrietta heard some white men talk about the men she was with. John Henry left without getting gas and after dropping her off to her home, the white men drove up behind them and rammed into their car. He stopped at his uncle’s house for fear he was going to run out of gas and the men came and dragged him, Beacon and his uncle out of the house and set them all on fire p.29
  3. Why did Cassie’s dad tell them all not to go the Wallace’s store? There was drinking, dancing and smoking and he felt there was going to be trouble one day for those kids who went p.30

Chapter 3

  1. Why did Big Ma use the term “ignorant white folks” when talking to Little Man about getting dirty by the school bus each day? Ignorant means lacking knowledge or comprehension of something, so she understands that the white people don’t understand that black people should be treated similarly p.33
  2. How did Big Ma show Little Man tough love when they were talking about the bus issue? Didn’t feel sorry for him and told him to stop fretting over it; told him to study hard in school and get a good education and he’d be ok; told him he could buy a car when he grew up to drive himself where he wanted to go p.33
  3. What was Stacey’s plan to stop the bus from splashing them to and from school? To dig into the road to make it look like it was washed out p.38
  4. When the bus fell into the deep ditch, why was Mama and Big Ma happy? Now the white kids will have to walk to school just like their kids do every day; now there’s no special privilege for white kids p.42
  5. Why do you think the men in the cars with the headlights came to Cassie’s home that night? To punish the children for digging the ditch; to capture Mr. Morrison p.50

Chapter 4

  1. Why did Mama and Big Ma suspect something was wrong with the children? They were listless, didn’t eat or sleep well p.53
  2. Why were the children relieved after talking to TJ and hearing about the man who got tarred and feathered? They learned it wasn’t because of their prank to stop the bus p.57
  3. Why did Papa bring Mr. Morrison to live near his family? To protect them p.59
  4. Why did Stacey get whipped in school? TJ handed him his cheat notes and the teacher saw p.61
  5. Why did Stacey decide to tell his Mama about fighting at the Wallace’s store? Mr. Morrison helped him understand he needed to. Stacey respected Mr. Morrison and wanted to do what he said p.66
  6. Explain why Mr. Granger wants to buy their land? He just wants it to own it, he doesn’t need it; to take away their privilege of having land; it was his before the ward, but his family had to sell it since they didn’t have any money p.67

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Big Ma park the wagon at the back of the field on market day? Only the white people’s wagons could park near the entrance p.80
  2. How was Cassie supposed to act in the store while Mr. Barnette was helping everyone else before them? Patient, wait until he’s ready to help; helps everyone who’s white before helping her p.85
  3. How had Cassie been insulted when in town? Mr. Barnette yelled at her for having no manners and expecting to be helped in proper order at the store and Lillian Jean made her apologize for bumping into her and expected Cassie to walk in the road p.86

Chapter 6

  1. How did Uncle Hammer react when Cassie told him what happened in Strawberry? He was angry and wanted to get revenge on Mr. Simms so got into his car to go to Mr. Simms home p.93
  2. How did Cassie’s mama explain the reason for Lillian Jean’s treatment? She explained that people are still stuck thinking that white people are better than black people even though slavery had ended decades before p.95
  3. What did Uncle Hammer give Stacey on the way to church and why did he give it to him then instead of at Christmas? A new coat because his was worn and too small p.101
  4. When Uncle Hammer persisted across the bridge to make the other car stop and wait for them, why was Mama so worried as she said, “one day we’ll pay.” Uncle Hammer’s actions will cause the Wallace’s to take offense and cause the Logan family to have issues because of it p.105

Chapter 7

  1. What did Stacey do to the coat Uncle Hammer gave to him and what was his uncle’s reaction when he found out? Gave it to TJ; Uncle Hammer told him not to got get it, but got after him for doing whatever TJ wanted him to do and told him he needed to stick up for himself and not be influenced easily p.107
  2. Summarize Mr. Morrison’s story about the night men. His little town got attacked by them since a woman complained some boys had hurt her. The night men came, started the town on fire, and killed women, children and men. His sisters died and his mother threw him out of the house so he wouldn’t get hurt and she fought next to his dad. They both died that night p.112
  3. What did the children get for Christmas? Books, clothes and candy/food p.116
  4. What did Mr. Jamison propose to Papa and Uncle Hammer? That he’ll back the credit for people to shop at the store in Vicksburg p.122
  5. Why did Mr. Granger come to visit the Logan’s? to tell them not to go to Vicksburg for the groceries or he would cause them to lose their land p.122

Chapter 8

  1. Describe the advice Cassie’s papa gave her about the incident with Lillian Jean? She has Uncle Hammer’s temper and she has to consider what is worse, the hurt you receive or the hurt your family would receive if they reacted the way they wanted to, but you can’t back down at some things or theya eat you alive ; he told her not to be mad, but she needed to decide how she was going to respond this treatment p.133
  2. Why was Cassie so kind to Lillian Jean and being her “pet”? to get her to trust her and tell her things, so when she beat her up and made her apologize, she had leverage to keep Lillian Jean from telling anyone what she had done p.137
  3. Explain why Mama lost her job as a schoolteacher? Mr. Granger came to her class and she admitted to not teaching everything in the book that the school board provided because it wasn’t true p.140
  4. What did TJ say that got their Mama fired?  That she wasn’t a good teacher and destroyed school property by covering the books with paper and that she was the one who told everyone not to go to the Wallace’s store p.143
  5. What’s a consequence of TJ talking to Kaleb Wallace about Ms. Logan and getting her fired? Nobody will talk to him at school p.146
  6. Predict what’s going to happen to TJ and how his actions are going to affect his relationship with the Logan’s.  He’s going to side more with the white people and help them ruin the Logan’s p.147

Chapter 9

  1. What’s the problem with TJ hanging out with Jeremy’s brothers who are 18 & 19? They’re much older than him; could be a bad influence; don’t treat him well when he’s not with them p.150
  2. What’s a chain gang? A group of men who have been arrested or convicts that are forced to working on road construction, ditch digging or farming while chained together p.155
  3. Describe the example Papa used when answering Cassie’s question if they were going to give up. He used a fig tree growing in an area with lots of trees overshadowing it. That fig tree keeps on growing and doesn’t give up. It has a right to be in the yard too. They aren’t giving up either p.156
  4. What had happened to Stacey, Mr. Morrison and Papa on their way back from Vicksburg in the rain? Someone had loosened the wheels on the cart, they came off and while the men were putting the wheels on a car came from behind and someone shot Papa. Jack the mule got scared and the cart rolled and ran over Papa. Mr. Morrison went after the men and stopped them from hurting any of them. The men left and they brought Papa home with a broken leg and his head wrapped from the shot p.162

Chapter 10

  1. Why were Cassie’s parents worried about money? Because her papa couldn’t work on the railroad to get the mortgage payments and her mom lost her teaching job p.166
  2. What did Mr. Morrison do when Kaleb Wallace blocked the road with his truck? He picked up each end of the truck and moved it p.170
  3. When Jeremy came to the pond and trees to see the Logan children, what did he tell them about TJ? That he was hanging around with white boys and stealing stuff from people p.173
  4. What does it mean that the bank called up the note? The bank wanted the Logan’s to pay for the debt on the land immediately p.175
  5. What did Uncle Hammer do to get the money to pay the debt at the bank? Sold his nice car and other things as well as borrowed some money p.178
  6. Why did TJ come to the revival? To show off his new friends to his old friends and boast about his new clothes and friends and how they’d give him anything he wanted p.182

Chapter 11

  1. Explain what happened at the Barnette’s store with TJ, R.W. and Melvin. TJ, M.W. and Melvin went to the store to get the pistol, but the store was closed. TJ climbed into the window and opened the door for the other boys. Once in they got the gun and were trying to get the metal case with money, but the Barnette’s came down the stairs. Mr. Barnette tried to stop them but got knocked in the head by the flat part of the ax and Mrs. Barnette fell and hit her head on the stove. The older boys beat up TJ since he said he was going to tell. They ran to do some business and TJ got a ride with a farmer close to the Logan’s home p.187
  2. What will be the consequence of Stacey taking TJ home instead of telling his parents? The children all saw the Avery family with TJ get pulled out of their home. TJ was accused of breaking into the store p.191
  3. Who came and tried to help the Avery family and TJ from getting hurt? Mr. Jamison p.193
  4. Why did Cassie and her brothers need to run and tell Papa and Mr. Morrison about the events at the Avery home? To warn them and protect them from Kaleb Wallace and the Simms since they want to hang them both as well as TJ p.195

Chapter 12

  1. Why was Mama so worried about Papa taking a gun to find Stacey and help TJ? She knew if he fired at the men he would be hung p.197
  2. What started the fire on their cotton? Lightning p.199
  3. What did Papa and Mr. Granger do to stop the fire? Dig a trench p.202
  4. What had happened to TJ? He got taken into Strawberry to jail so he could be tried for breaking into the mercantile store and hurting/killing the Barnette’s p.205
  5. How did Papa stop the hangings that night? He started a fire which caused Mr. Granger to stop focusing on TJ and instead putting out the fire on his fields p.208
  6. Why did Cassie cry at the end of the story? She mourned what would happen to TJ; she cried for the things that happened in the night, but what would not pass; for the land p.210

Comprehension Questions – Stuart Little

Stuart Little

by E.B. White

Grades 4-5; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 3.0

"When Mrs. Frederick C. Little's second son arrived, everybody noticed that he was not much bigger than a mouse. The truth of the matter was, the baby looked very much like a mouse in every way." So begins E.B. White's tale of a sensitive, erudite mouse that is somehow born to a family of humans.

Vocabulary

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Stuart’s mother send for the doctor? He only gained a third of an ounce pg 3
  2. Why did Stuart go down the drain? To find his mother’s ring pg 4
  3. How did the family feel when Stuart recovered the ring? That he was “awfully good” pg 6

Chapter 2

  1. How did Stuart help around the house? Retrieving ping-pong balls, sticky piano keys pg 7
  2. Why did they tear up the nursery rhyme? Stuart would feel badly about carving knives pg 9
  3. Why did they change “The Night before Christmas” words? It would embarrass Stuart pg 10

Chapter 3

  1. Every morning what does Stuart do with George first thing? Touch toes 10 times pg 13
  2. How did Stuart turn on the bathroom light? Long string to light chain pg 14
  3. How did Stuart turn on the water faucet? 3 strikes with a little hammer pg 16

Chapter 4

  1. What did Stuart argue with Snowbell over? Who had stronger stomach muscles pg 18
  2. What happened when he jumped on the window shade ring? Rolled up inside pg 19
  3. What did Snowbell do? Placed Stuart’s things in front of mouse hole pg 20

Chapter 5

  1. What did George want to do to find Stuart? Rip up the floor pg 21
  2. What did they end up doing? All called together and waited to hear his answer pg 22
  3. Why did George pull down the shades? To respect Stuart who was “dead” pg 25

Chapter 6

  1. What did Stuart watch out for when outside? Dogs pg 27
  2. How did Stuart step up onto a bus? He held onto a man’s pants pg 28
  3. What boat did Stuart want to sail on and beat? The Wasp, The Lillian B. Womarth  pg 33

Chapter 7

  1. What accident happened at the beginning of the race? The policeman fell into the water pg 38
  2. What did the policeman cause? A big wave pg 39
  3. What caused the crash between the boats? A paper bag pg 43
  4. Why did Stuart win? He sailed the Wasp “straight and true” pg 45

Chapter 8

  1. How did Stuart catch bronchitis? He got locked in the refrigerator pg 47
  2. What did Stuart do for Margalo? Take her temperature pg 52
  3. What did Stuart do to Snowbell’s ear? Shoot it with an arrow pg 55

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Stuart jump into the garbage can? To avoid the Irish Terrier pg 57
  2. Where was the garbage truck going? To dump the load on the scow pg 60
  3. Why was Stuart sad that he might die? He would miss his home pg 61

Chapter 10

  1. What did the Angora cat tell Snowbell? You have more self-control than me pg 69
  2. Who overheard the plot to kill Margalo? The pigeon pg 71
  3. What did Margalo do when she read the note? Fly away pg 71

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Stuart run away from home? To look for Margalo pg 73
  2. Who did he go see for advice? Dr. Carey pg 75
  3. Why wouldn’t Stuart’s car attract attention? It was invisible pg 79

Chapter 12

  1. Why were the scholars delighted at #7 School? They would have a substitute for                         Mrs. Gunderson pg 87
  2. What would fix the world being in a lot of trouble? A chairman of the world pg 92
  3. What would be a fine law? Absolutely no being mean pg 94

Chapter 13

  1. What did Stuart want to drink? Sarsaparilla pg 102
  2. Who did the storekeeper want Stuart to meet? Harriet Ames pg 103
  3. What did Stuart invite Harriet to do? Paddle in his canoe pg 110

Chapter 14

  1. What were the paddles for the canoe? wooden ice cream spoons pg 114
  2. Why did Stuart keep changing his shirts? Nervous perspiration pg 118
  3. How did the evening on the river end? It was ruined pg 124

Chapter 15

  1. How much gas did Stuart want? Five drops pg 125
  2. What direction did the repairman say is not making any mistakes? North pg 12

Comprehension Questions without Answers

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Stuart’s mother send for the doctor?
  2. Why did Stuart go down the drain?
  3. How did the family feel when Stuart recovered the ring?

Chapter 2

  1. How did Stuart help around the house?
  2. Why did they tear up the nursery rhyme?
  3. Why did they change “The Night before Christmas” words?

Chapter 3

  1. Every morning what does Stuart do with George first thing?
  2. How did Stuart turn on the bathroom light?
  3. How did Stuart turn on the water faucet?

Chapter 4

  1. What did Stuart argue with Snowbell over?
  2. What happened when he jumped on the window shade ring?
  3. What did Snowbell do?

Chapter 5

  1. What did George want to do to find Stuart?
  2. What did they end up doing?
  3. Why did George pull down the shades?

Chapter 6

  1. What did Stuart watch out for when outside?
  2. How did Stuart step up onto a bus?
  3. What boat did Stuart want to sail on and beat?

Chapter 7

  1. What accident happened at the beginning of the race?
  2. What did the policeman cause?
  3. What caused the crash between the boats?
  4. Why did Stuart win?

Chapter 8

  1. How did Stuart catch bronchitis?
  2. What did Stuart do for Margalo?
  3. What did Stuart do to Snowbell’s ear?

Chapter 9

  1. Why did Stuart jump into the garbage can?
  2. Where was the garbage truck going?
  3. Why was Stuart sad that he might die?

Chapter 10

  1. What did the Angora cat tell Snowbell?
  2. Who overheard the plot to kill Margalo?
  3. What did Margalo do when she read the note?

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Stuart run away from home?
  2. Who did he go see for advice?
  3. Why wouldn’t Stuart’s car attract attention?

Chapter 12

  1. Why were the scholars delighted at #7 School?
  2. What would fix the world being in a lot of trouble?
  3. What would be a fine law?

Chapter 13

  1. What did Stuart want to drink?
  2. Who did the storekeeper want Stuart to meet?
  3. What did Stuart invite Harriet to do?

Chapter 14

  1. What were the paddles for the canoe?
  2. Why did Stuart keep changing his shirts?
  3. How did the evening on the river end?

Chapter 15

  1. How much gas did Stuart want?
  2. What direction did the repairman say is not making any mistakes?

Comprehension Questions – Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie

By Kate DiCamillo

Grades 4-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 3.0

The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she names Winn-Dixie.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. In the Winn-Dixie grocery store in the produce department p.7
  2. Explain how Opal became Winn-Dixie’s owner? He followed her into the store and the manager said to call the pound and she couldn’t let him go to the pound, so she said the dog was hers p.8
  3. Describe Winn-Dixie. Dirty; ugly; bald patches on him; could see his ribs; big; smiles p.8

Chapter 2

  1. Why does Opal’s father call her by her second or middle name? it’s his mother’s name and he loves her a lot p.14
  2. What did Opal tell Winn-Dixie on their way home from the store? How she got her name; how she had just moved to Naomi; about the preacher p.14
  3. How did Opal convince her dad she needed to keep Winn-Dixie? She convinced him that Winn-Dixie needed her p.17

Chapter 3

  1. How are Opal and Winn-Dixie similar? They’re both like orphans p.21
  2. Why doesn’t Opal know very much about her mother? Her father doesn’t talk about her p.22
  3. What did Opal finally have to courage to ask her father? To tell her 10 things about her mother p.25

Chapter 4

  1. List 2 things about Opal’s mother that was similar to Opal. She had freckles and red hair; she could run fast p.26
  2. Why do you think Opal’s mother left? She didn’t like being the preacher’s wife; they fought when she drank alcohol p.28
  3. Why did Opal write down all ten things? So she could memorize them and remember them, so that if her mother came back, she’d know who she was and never let her go again p.30

Chapter 5

  1. What happened when the preacher and Opal left Winn-Dixie home? He howled or tore the house apart p.31
  2. Explain what happened when Opal brought Winn-Dixie into the church. He saw a mouse, caught it and brought it to the preacher, who threw it outside p.36
  3. List the things Opal prayed for at the end of this chapter. She was lonely; the mouse; her mama and that she could tell her the story of the mouse and Winn-Dixie p.38

Chapter 6

  1. What did Miss Franny think Winn-Dixie was as he looked in the window of the library? A bear p.41
  2. Why was Miss Franny so worried about seeing a bear? She had a bad experience with a bear coming into the library p.42

Chapter 7

  1. How did the Herman W. Block Library come to be? Miss Franny was the daughter of Herman W. Block and told her dad she wanted a little house full of books she could read and share with others p.46
  2. Explain the story of the bear in the library. Miss Franny was reading her book on a hot day with all of the windows and doors open. A shadow crossed by her and she looked up when no one answered her question and saw the bear sniffing her p.47
  3. Who was Opal’s first friend in Naomi? Miss Franny p.51

Chapter 8

  1. What plan did Opal come up to pay for the collar and leash? Do jobs around the pet store p.54
  2. How did Gertrude feel about Winn-Dixie? She landed on his head, so she liked him p.56
  3. Describe Sweetie Pie Thomas. She’s a 5 year-old little girl; sucks on her third knuckle; wants a dog, but can’t have one; goes to Opal’s church p.57

Chapter 9

  1. Who was the witch Stevie and Dunlap were talking about? Gloria Dump p.64
  2. Why did they call her a witch? She was old, had crinkly brown skin, wore a big floppy hat and had no teeth p.63
  3. What did Gloria feed Winn-Dixie? Peanut butter p.63

Chapter 10

  1. What does it mean to have a green thumb? Being good at growing plants p.69
  2. How was Winn-Dixie helping Opal? He helped her find friends; he helped her get a job p.70

Chapter 11

  1. Find a simile on page 74. Barreling like a bowling ball
  2. How did Winn-Dixie continue to behave during the thunderstorm? out of his mind with fear; racing back and forth every time there was thunder p.76
  3. Opal had a difficult time talking when the preacher said they need to keep Winn-Dixie safe during thunderstorms. What was she feeling? Lots of love for the preacher and felt like crying p.78

Chapter 12

  1. What was Otis doing in the pet store when Opal arrived early to work? Playing his guitar with every animal out of its cage p.80
  2. What effect did Otis have over the animals as he played his guitar? He was like a snake charmer p.81
  3. What did Otis and the animals have in common? They’d both been locked up p.83

Chapter 13

  1. What was Opal’s favorite place to go that summer? Gloria Dump’s p.88
  2. Why did the twins make Opal so mad? They continued to call Gloria a witch p.89
  3. Why did Opal enjoy going over there so much? Gloria would make her a sandwich and coffee/milk and talk to her p.90

Chapter 14

  1. Why couldn’t Gloria get glasses to see? Because her eyes were too bad p.92
  2. What was hanging from the tree in Gloria’s backyard? Whiskey, wine and beer bottles p.94
  3. Why were there bottles hanging from it? Gloria used to drink and these were the bottles she had drunken out of; they were her ghosts of the things she’s done wrong in her life p.95
  4. Why did Gloria show Opal the tree? To teach her that she shouldn’t judge Otis for being in jail p.96

Chapter 15

  1. Find a simile on one of the first two pages of this chapter. Fur blowing off like a dandelion puff; stop and start shaking like a leaf; protecting her like soldiers p.98&99
  2. Why did Opal want to tell Gloria a story? To keep the ghosts away from the bottles hitting together in the wind p.100
  3. How did Miss Franny react when Amanda Wilkinson came into the library and demanded a book? She told her she’d have to wait until she finished telling Opal the story of her great grandfather in the Civil War p.102

Chapter 16

  1. Describe Miss Franny’s great grandfather’s experience of fighting in the war. Hot or cold; covered in vermin, fleas and ticks; always hungry; always getting shot at; stinky in the summer p.106
  2. What did Littmus find after walking home from the war? His home was burned; his mom and sisters dead from typhoid fever and his dad on the battlefield p.107

Chapter 17

  1. What did Miss Franny’s great grandfather do with his life after the war? Built the candy factory and made candy p.111
  2. What’s the secret ingredient of the candy Miss Franny gave the girls? Sorrow p.114
  3. What did Opal decide to do as she passed the twins on her bike? Wave to them p.116

Chapter 18

  1. What did the preacher think the candy tasted like? Opal’s mother; melancholy p.121
  2. What did the preacher want Opal to say to Stevie? That she was sorry for calling him a bald-headed baby p.123
  3. Who is Carson and what happened to him? Amanda’s five year-old brother who had drowned last year p.124

Chapter 19

  1. Why did Otis go to jail? He wouldn’t stop playing his guitar when the policemen asked him too and he hit one of them when they put handcuffs on him p.130
  2. How did Sweetie Pie respond to the candy Opal gave her? She spit it out and tasted like not having a dog p.132

Chapter 20

  1. How did Opal come up with the idea to have a party and invite her friends? From the book, Gone with the Wind p.125
  2. How did Gloria respond to Opal’s idea? She made her promise to invite the twins p.137
  3. What was Otis’s reaction when Opal asked him to come to the party? He didn’t want to come at first, but told him she would do her jobs for free for a week and then told him to bring his guitar p.142

Chapter 21

  1. What kind of sandwiches did Gloria and Opal make for the party? Egg-salad sandwiches p.143
  2. Why did Miss Franny wobble when she walked and sway when standing still? She was wearing high heels p.145
  3. Why was Otis hesitant to come to the party? He was nervous to be around people p.149

Chapter 22

  1. What did Otis do that made Sweetie Pie laugh? Leaned over and his guitar on his back bonked him on the head p.151
  2. What did the weather turn into just as the party got started? A rain storm p.154

Chapter 23

  1. Who did Opal forget to bring inside as the thunder started to roll? Winn-Dixie p.157
  2. Why was she so worried about him? In thunderstorms he gets scared and this time she didn’t hold onto him, so he ran away p.157

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Opal make a list to describe Winn-Dixie? If she had to make a sign about him it would tell people about him p.162
  2. Explain what the preacher told Opal when she blamed him for not trying to stop her mother from leaving. He told her he did try, but he couldn’t stop her; he wished she’d come back every day; was very grateful she had left Opal p.165

Chapter 25

  1. Where had Winn-Dixie been during the thunderstorm? Under Gloria’s bed p.173
  2. What helped him come out from under the bed? Otis’s music p.174

Chapter 26

  1. Opal stood out at the tree looking up at the sky and constellations. What was she doing there? Telling her mama that she wasn’t going to think about her as much and that her heart had been filled p.178
  2. Why did Dunlap and Stevie call Gloria a witch? To tease Opal p.179
  3. Describe how Opal relationship with her father had changed at the end of the story. They had grown together in understanding and were connecting with each other

Comprehension Questions – The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard

By Lynne Reid Banks

Grades 4-6; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 6.0

When Omri's big brother has no birthday present for him, he gives Omri an old wooden medicine cabinet he's found. The cabinet doesn't seem like much of a present to nine-year-old Omri, until he deposits inside it another present he receives for his birthday: a miniature plastic Indian. His mother comes up with a key for the cabinet, and the real magic begins. When Omri turns the key once, the Indian, named Little Bear, comes alive; but turn the key a second time and it's an ordinary plastic Indian again.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does Omri feel when Patrick gives him the plastic Indian? Disappointed pg 2
  2. What does Omri’s mum give him for the cabinet? A boxful of keys pg. 3
  3. What does the Indian do when Omri tries to pick him up? Stab him pg 9.

Chapter 2

  1. What does Omri worry happened to the Indian while at school? He dies without food, drink pg 15
  2. What did the Indian think was magic? Electricity pg 21
  3. Did Little Bear live in a tepee? No, a longhouse pg 21
  4. Who is the Indian? Iroquois brave, son of chief, Little Bear pg 23

Chapter 3

  1. Omri finds out that Little Bear fought in a war with whom and against whom. With the English against the French and the Algonquin pg 29
  2. What did Little Bear say that scared Omri? He scalped 30 French soldiers pg 30
  3. Why did Omri not tell anyone about Little Bear? They would make him an experiment in a laboratory pg 31

Chapter 4

  1. How did Little Bear hurt his leg? Horse kicked when box was squeezed pg 41
  2. What did Little Bear call fire water? Water and Listerine; disinfectant pg 41
  3. What plastic figure did Omri grab to help Little Bear’s injury? WW I orderly pg 42

Chapter 5

  1. What does Omri tell Tommy so he won’t be afraid? It’s just a dream pg 45
  2. What supplies does Omri gather for Little Bear? Seed tray, posts and bark pg 47
  3. Where does Omri get an ax for Little Bear? From a knight pg 48

Chapter 6

  1. Omri sneaks away at lunchtime at school to buy what? Plastic chief with bow and arrow pg 52
  2. How does Little Bear check to see if the chief is dead? Puts his feather in front of his mouth pg 59
  3. What does Little Bear take from the dead chief and why? Cape, headdress, bow and arrow and now he’s the new chief pg 59
  4. What does Omri’s father make him do? Replace items he used at hardware shop pg 60

Chapter 7

  1. When they get to Omri’s room who do they find there? Gillon and Adiel pg 65
  2. What did the brothers feel about the longhouse? Admiration at the details pg 67
  3. Why did Omri not want Patrick to put a lot of toys in the cupboard? Because they are real pg 69
  4. What did Patrick beg Omri for? One live toy of his own pg 74

Chapter 8

  1. What did Patrick do when Omri went to get some food for the Indian? Put the cowboy in the cupboard pg 78
  2. What does the cowboy do to Patrick? Shoots him pg 80
  3. What does Omri promise Patrick to do? Bring the Cowboy to school pg 85

Chapter 9

  1. Why does Little Bear do a dance? He is getting a wife pg 89
  2. What happened when Omri was a sleep? The cowboy escaped pg 90
  3. What does Little Bear want Omri to do? Take him to school too pg 94

Chapter 10

  1. What did Omri fix for breakfast? Egg, beans and bread crust pg 98
  2. What did Omri make the cowboy and Indian do to eat? Call a truce pg 99
  3. What did Boone threaten Little Bear he’d do if he didn’t fight fair? Set his hallucy-nation on him pg 103

Chapter 11

  1. How does April taunt Patrick? She says “Lookit he’s blu-shing!” pg 108
  2. Why do Omri and Patrick get thrown out of class? Little Bear stabs him in the side  pg 111
  3. What does Omri do with the little men? Puts them in the same pocket pg 114

Chapter 12

  1. When Omri couldn’t find Patrick where was he? The music room pg 119
  2. When Patrick was late to class by 20 minutes what did Miss Hilton do? Sent both boys to the headmaster Mr. Jonson pg 120
  3. Why did Omri attack Patrick in Mr. Johnson’s office? He was going to tell him about the little men pg 124
  4. Did Patrick show the little men to Mr. Johnson? Yes pg 126

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Patrick say he had to show the little men? They would tell his dad pg 128
  2. How did Omri feel when the art teacher saw Boone’s drawing? It was fun pg133
  3. How did Omri trick Mr. Yapp with the little men? He told them to act like plastic pg 139

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Adiel take Omri’s cupboard? He thought Omri took his football shorts pg 142
  2. Why was the magic gone from the cupboard? Because the key was lost pg 145
  3. Why does Little Bear shoot Boone with an arrow? TV shows portrayed Indians as bad pg 150

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Omri worried for the safety of the little men? The rat was loose pg 155
  2. What did Omri worry would happen to Little Bear under the floor? the rat would eat him pg 161
  3. How did Omri think he could stop the little men from fighting? Become blood brothers pg 167

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Little Bears’ wife called Bright Stars? Her shining eyes pg 173
  2. Who became blood brothers? Little Bear and Boone pg 176 Little Bear and Omri pg 178
  3. Where was Omri’s mum going to keep the key? She was going to wear it on a chain pg 181

Comprehension Questions without Answers

Chapter 1

  1. How does Omri feel when Patrick gives him the plastic Indian?
  2. What does Omri’s mum give him for the cabinet?
  3. What does the Indian do when Omri tries to pick him up?

Chapter 2

  1. What does Omri worry happened to the Indian while at school?
  2. What did the Indian think was magic?
  3. Did Little Bear live in a tepee?
  4. Who is the Indian?

Chapter 3

  1. Omri finds out that Little Bear fought in a war with whom and against whom.
  2. What did Little Bear say that scared Omri? Why did Omri not tell anyone about Little Bear?

Chapter 4

  1. How did Little Bear hurt his leg?
  2. What did Little Bear call fire water?
  3. What plastic figure did Omri grab to help Little Bear’s injury?

Chapter 5

  1. What does Omri tell Tommy so he won’t be afraid?
  2. What supplies does Omri gather for Little Bear?
  3. Where does Omri get an ax for Little Bear?

Chapter 6

  1. Omri sneaks away at lunchtime at school to buy what?
  2. How does Little Bear check to see if the chief is dead?
  3. What does Little Bear take from the dead chief and why?
  4. What does Omri’s father make him do?

Chapter 7

  1. When they get to Omri’s room who do they find there?
  2. What did the brothers feel about the longhouse?
  3. Why did Omri not want Patrick to put a lot of toys in the cupboard?
  4. What did Patrick beg Omri for?

Chapter 8

  1. What did Patrick do when Omri went to get some food for the Indian?
  2. What does the cowboy do to Patrick?
  3. What does Omri promise Patrick to do?

Chapter 9

  1. Why does Little Bear do a dance?
  2. What happened when Omri was a sleep?
  3. What does Little Bear want Omri to do?

Chapter 10

  1. What did Omri fix for breakfast?
  2. What did Omri make the cowboy and Indian do to eat?
  3. What did Boone threaten Little Bear he’d do if he didn’t fight fair?

Chapter 11

  1. How does April taunt Patrick?
  2. Why do Omri and Patrick get thrown out of class?
  3. What does Omri do with the little men?

Chapter 12

  1. When Omri couldn’t find Patrick where was he?
  2. When Patrick was late to class by 20 minutes what did Miss Hilton do?
  3. Why did Omri attack Patrick in Mr. Johnson’s office?
  4. Did Patrick show the little men to Mr. Johnson?

Chapter 13

  1. Why did Patrick say he had to show the little men?
  2. How did Omri feel when the art teacher saw Boone’s drawing?
  3. How did Omri trick Mr. Yapp with the little men?

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Adiel take Omri’s cupboard?
  2. Why was the magic gone from the cupboard?
  3. Why does Little Bear shoot Boone with an arrow?

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Omri worried for the safety of the little men?
  2. What did Omri worry would happen to Little Bear under the floor?
  3. How did Omri think he could stop the little men from fighting?

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Little Bears’ wife called Bright Stars?
  2. Who became blood brothers?
  3. Where was Omri’s mum going to keep the key?

Comprehension Questions – Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web

By E.B. White

Grades 3-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL R; AR pts: 5.0

Wilbur is the runt of a litter born to a pig on the farm of Fern Arable's father. When it is announced that her father is going to kill the pig, Fern rushes forth to save it, asking of her father: "If I had been very small at birth, would you have killed me?" Her father spares the pig, but only if Fern agrees to care for it. Falling in love immediately with the little pig, Fern takes care of him until he is moved to her Uncle’s farm. Wilbur becomes friends with the other animals at the farm including a spider named Charlotte who saves Wilbur’s life.

Vocabulary Words

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe the setting of this story. Farm; kitchen and on the way to the pigpen; morning, breakfast time; grass was wet and the earth smelled of springtime p.1
  2. Why did Fern’s father decide to keep the pig and not kill it? Fern said she would take care of it and that it was an injustice to kill a pig just because it was small p.3
  3. What did Fern name her pig? Wilbur p.7

Chapter 2

  1. How did Wilbur stay warm at night? Dug a tunnel in the straw p.9
  2. Why did Mr. Arable need to sell Wilbur? He ate too much food; he didn’t want to provide for him any longer p.12
  3. Why did Fern’s Uncle decide to buy the pig? It was only $6 p.12

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Wilbur’s new home. The lower part of a barn, below the cows, in the manure pile p.14
  2. Is the goose a good or bad influence and why? Bad; She told Wilbur to free himself and to dig in the orchard and garden; told him how to escape when people were coming p.17
  3. How did Lurvy and Uncle Homer catch Wilbur? Go behind him and drove him toward the barn; got a bucket of slop to lure into his pen p.19
  4. Why didn’t Wilbur care that he was being led back to his pen? He was nervous; he wanted the food; he wanted to be in his pen again and not being chased around p.22

Chapter 4

  1. Why is Wilbur sad in this chapter? It’s raining and he can’t do his plan; he’s doesn’t have any friends and he’s lonely p.27
  2. Describe Templeton. He’s a rat; he’s dug tunnels everywhere so he can get to where he wants to without being seen; he sleeps in the day and is out at night; gluttonous; 30
  3. Give me three descriptive words of how Wilbur was feeling in this chapter. Lonely; despair; sad; rejected p.31
  4. Who do you think spoke to Wilbur about being his friend? Charlotte p.31

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Wilbur have a difficult time sleeping? He was anxious for morning so he could meet his new friend p.33
  2. Describe Charlotte. Friendly; nearsighted; a spider; has eight legs; pretty; tells the truth p.37
  3. What did Charlotte say that finally convinced Wilbur that catching bugs and drinking their blood was ok? If she didn’t, bugs would otherwise multiply and take over the world p.40
  4. What did goose know about Wilbur that he did not? Mr. Zuckerman and Lurvy were going to kill him at Christmastime p.40

Chapter 6

  1. Give three reasons why the book felt the happiest and fairest days on the farm are in early summer. Blossoms and lilacs with bees; temperature is warm; school ends; cutting of the hay and put in the loft of the barn; birds, nests and eggs; plenty of things for a child to chew (dandelion stem); goose eggs hatch p.42
  2. Why did the geese worry about Templeton? He would kill a gosling if he could get away with it p.46
  3. What did Charlotte say would happen if the egg broke? It would be such a strong smell that no one could handle living in the barn, it’s a stink bomb p.47

Chapter 7

  1. Who told Wilbur that the farmer would most likely kill him when the weather got cold? The old sheep p.49
  2. What was Wilbur’s reaction? Got upset, cried and ran around in a panic p.50

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Mrs. Arable concerned about Fern? Fern told her about the animals speaking p.54

Chapter 9

  1. What did Charlotte try to teach Wilbur to do? Spin a web p.56
  2. Why couldn’t Wilbur spin a web? He lacked a set of spinnerets and know how p.58
  3. How did Charlotte help Wilbur feel better when he was worried about dying? She said she had a plan to help him p.63
  4. What was the advice Charlotte told Wilbur? Build himself up; get plenty of sleep; stop worrying; no hurrying; chew food thoroughly and eat every bit of it, except leave enough for Templeton; gain weight and stay well; keep fit; don’t lose nerve p.64

Chapter 10

  1. What was Charlotte’s plan going to do to Zuckerman? Trick or fool him p.67
  2. What did Avery want to do with Charlotte? Catch her p.72
  3. Why wasn’t Avery able to catch her? He was climbing to swing a stick to knock her in a box and lost his balance. He fell and landed on the rotten egg and it exploded making it stink terribly, so he ran away p.73
  4. What made the terrible smell go away? Lurvy covered the rotten egg with dirt p.75

Chapter 11

  1. Describe Mr. Zuckerman’s reaction when they saw Charlotte’s web? In awe; bewildered; said a miracle has happened on the farm; said the pig was a special pig p.79
  2. Where did Mr. Zuckerman go with his suit on and why? To see the minister to explain there had been a miracle at the farm p.82
  3. Why was everyone coming to see the pig? They heard about it and wanted to see the “sign” that had appeared in the web p.83
  4. What was Avery’s punishment for trying to hit the spider with a stick? Sent to bed with no supper p.84
  5. What did the minister say the “sign” or miracle was? Human beings needed to be on the watch for wonders p.85

Chapter 12

  1. How do we know Charlotte’s plan to save Wilbur worked? Everyone thought Wilbur was unusual, so they won’t kill him now p.87
  2. How did the animals want Templeton to help out Charlotte? Bring magazine clippings from the dump so she can get ideas and know how to spell words p.89
  3. What made Templeton agree with bringing back magazine clippings? Realizing that if Wilbur dies, he won’t get any more food p.90

Chapter 13

  1. After seeing the word “terrific” written in the web, what plans did Zuckerman make for Wilbur? No more manure; only clean hay; Lurvy was to build a crate so Zuckerman could take him to the fair p.96
  2. What was the dump that Templeton went to? Zuckerman’s throw away pile at the end of a path, below the apple orchard p.97
  3. Give me two examples in this chapter that describe how Charlotte feels about Wilbur. Worked far into the night for him p. 92; Charlotte looked affectionately at him p.101; she told him a story even though she was tired p.102; she sang him a song p.104; listen to other examples stated

Chapter 14

  1. Why did Fern’s mother visit Dr. Dorian? She was concerned about Fern and her interest in the farm animals p.107
  2. What did Dr. Dorian tell Mrs. Arable? To not worry about Fern and that she seemed to be fine p.111

Chapter 15

  1. Why was Charlotte worried when she heard the crickets singing that summer was almost over? she didn’t have much time left and she couldn’t help him anymore p.114 &117
  2. What was Wilbur’s attitude even with the attention he was getting? Humble; modest; kind p.115
  3. Why did Charlotte need to stay at the farm and not go to the fair? it was time for her to lay eggs p.116

Chapter 16

  1. How did the sheep convince Templeton he should go to the fair? told him of all the food scraps that would be left around p.123
  2. What made Wilbur faint as everyone admired him? The farmer spoke of the ham and bacon that would come from killing him p.126
  3. How did the farmer know that Wilbur was ok? Wilbur fought back as they tried to get him into the crate p.28

Chapter 17

  1. Using 3 of the senses describe what the family saw as they arrived at the fair. Hear the music; see the Ferris wheel; smell the of the race track; smell hamburgers frying; hear bleating in pens; see balloons aloft p.130
  2. Avery and Fern wanted to go have fun at the fair. How much money did their father give to each of them? $0.70 p.131
  3. Describe Uncle. A spring big; much larger and dirtier than Wilbur; noisy; cracks weak jokes; unattractive personality p.134

Chapter 18

  1. What word did Templeton bring Charlotte at the fair and why was it a good word? Humble; he’s not proud and he’s near the ground p.140
  2. Why was the fair a paradise for Templeton? He could find all sorts of food to eat p.140
  3. What do you think Charlotte is making? Listen to your child’s ideas; an egg sac p.143

Chapter 19

  1. Why isn’t Charlotte going to see her children? She doesn’t think she’ll be around p.146
  2. Why is everyone so excited after bathing Wilbur in buttermilk? There was an announcement for Mr. Zuckerman to bring his pig to the judges’ booth to receive a special award p.151
  3. Why is Charlotte feeling content and peaceful? She thinks she has saved Wilbur’s life p.153

Chapter 20

  1. Where did Fern want to go during the award ceremony? On the Ferris wheel with Henry p.156
  2. Why is the writing in the web such a phenomenon? Spiders aren’t supposed to write p.158
  3. What did the rat do to Wilbur save him after he fainted? Bit his tail p.159
  4. Why did Avery enjoy getting splashed with water? He loved the crowd cheering at him as he acted like a clown p.162

Chapter 21

  1. Why can’t Charlotte go back to the barn? She’s going to be dead in a day or two; she doesn’t have enough spinnerets to lower her to the ground; she doesn’t have strength to get into the crate p.165
  2. What’s the deal Wilbur made with Templeton to make him get Charlotte’s egg sac? Wilbur would let him eat first when Lurvy fed him p.168
  3. How did the egg sac feel in Templeton’s mouth? Sticky; worse than caramel candy p.170

 Chapter 22

  1. Why did Wilbur look forward to winter ending? Charlotte’s eggs would hatch p.176
  2. Describe to me the signs of spring. A new lamb; frogs croaking; snow melting; a sparrow singing; goose sitting on eggs p.176
  3. Why were Charlotte’s children leaving Wilbur? They needed to go into the world to make webs for themselves p.180
  4. How many spiders decided to stay with Wilbur? 3 p.182

Comprehension Questions – My Side of the Mountain

My Side of the Mountain

By Jean Craighead George

Grades 4-7; Genre – Fiction; GRL U; AR pts: 6.0

Fifteen-year-old Sam Gribley has decided to run away from his crowded apartment home, but unlike most kids who rarely get beyond their block, Sam goes from New York City all the way to the ruined farm of Great-grandfather Gribley in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. Sam learns to live off the land, and in the course of a year, discovers just how much he values freedom, independence, and adventure when faced with the challenges of blizzards, loneliness and fear.

Vocabulary
Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Describe Sam’s home. It’s in a tree he dug and burned out that’s six feet in diameter; his bed is on the right made of ash slats and deerskin; fireplace on the left made of clay and stones; chimney p.3
  2. How did Sam know that a blizzard was coming? The animals were silent and in hiding; his hawk was nervous; it was darker than usual during the daytime p.7
  3. Tell me about Sam’s family. He has a mom and dad, four sisters and four brothers p.8
  4. Tell me the story of Great Grandpa Gribley and how it effects Sam?  He owned the land in the Catskill Mountains and built a home and plowed the land; the farm failed and he went to be a sailor; Sam found the land with the tree that had Gribley carved into it and lives 300 feet from it; he wanted to live on his great grandfather’s land p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What did the truck driver say to Sam as he dropped him off in the forest? He was surprised and told him how he ran away as a child as well; Said he’d be back in the morning if Sam wanted a ride home p.10
  2. Describe Sam’s first night in the woods? He was able to catch fish, but couldn’t start a fire to cook them; he made a shelter, but was so cold with the winds and he couldn’t sleep because of a whippoorwill calling p.17
  3. How would you have felt in this situation? Listen to your child’s answers p.17

Chapter 3

  1. How did Miss Turner respond to Sam when he told her he wanted to live on his great grandfather’s farm? She believed him and supported him; told him to come back if he needed any books to learn about plants, trees and animals p.22
  2. How did Sam find his great grandfather’s property? From Miss Turner’s hand drawn maps p.22
  3. How did having a fire during the night compare to not having a fire? It made the woods friendly and warm; filled the woods with brightness when the first night was dark and frightful p.24

Chapter 4

  1. What did Sam find as he explored his great grandpa’s farm? Hickory trees; a small stream; the foundation of the house; apple trees; walnut trees; a marsh; giant trees p.26

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Sam so careful and deliberate on where his home was? He didn't want it to be seen by people as they came through the mountains p.29
  2. Why did Sam feel like he didn’t plan his time very well in those first few days of his adventure? He had started a home, but didn’t have any food; he would work himself so hard he hardly had energy to find any food; he’d get hungrier p.29
  3. How did Sam put out the fire as he burned out his tree house? he’d smother it with dirt p.35

Chapter 6

  1. What was the story the old woman told Sam? The mountain was haunted; little men play ninepin in the gorge at twilight p.38
  2. Give me three characteristics the old woman has. Explain why you chose those. She was determined; strong; fierce; forceful; bossy; talked a lot; listen to your child's answer p.38
  3. How did Sam get away from the old woman? He walked her to her home and then headed to the library in town p.40

Chapter 7

  1. What did Sam do while he waited to see a peregrine falcon? Ate apples, went fishing and cooked his fish p.42
  2. How did Sam escape the mother falcon as he stole her chick? He used his shoe to protect himself from her dive, jumped to a ledge below, sat down and slid to the next ledge; she saw her other chicks and left him alone p.44

Chapter 8

  1. Who was the man at Sam’s camp and why was he there? A fire warden come to check the area since they saw smoke from Sam’s fire; they were worried about forest fires p.48

Chapter 9

  1. Who is The Baron and how did Sam meet him? A weasel and Sam caught him in a trap p.51
  2. Why did Sam want to catch a deer? To make a door for his home; make tethers for Frightful and a blanket for Sam p.52
  3. How was Sam careful so the warden wouldn’t come back? Put pine needles in bare areas; cleaned up front yard; used dry firewood so it wouldn’t smoke much p.52

Chapter 10

  1. How did Sam get his door? Someone shot a deer but left it; he got to the meadow and dragged it to the woods and covered it to look like a bush; then he cleaned his camp and hid in his tree p.56
  2. How did Sam know the poacher had left his camp and probably wouldn’t return? He heard a gunshot far down the mountain p.57
  3. How long did it take Sam to get the deer ready for smoking and the hide ready for tanning? Many, many days p.57

Chapter 11

  1. What did Sam do to get the deer hide ready to be a door? Soaked it in water and wood chips in a stump for 5 days; chewed, rubbed and jumped on it to make it soft; he had to cut it down to fit the door opening p.59
  2. How did Sam train Frightful to fly to his hand? He’d hold food in his hand and whistle p.62
  3. Why did hikers come to the area during the summer? To hike through the meadow to the gorge p.64
  4. When the two hikers were just about to have lunch on The Baron’s boulder, they left. What made them leave? The Baron running all over and around them p.64
  5. Why didn’t Sam want Frightful to eat what she catches? Because she’ll go wild p.68

Chapter 12

  1. How did Sam always know something was wrong in the forest? Frightful would be alerted p.72
  2. Describe Bando. A college English teacher who got lost in the forest; friendly smile; kind; blue eyes; likes birds; knows how to swing an ax and build a raft p.80
  3. Why does Bando call Sam Thoreau? Thoreau’s an old poet and writer p.77
  4. Name five things Bando and Sam did together? Made jam; made the raft; smoked fish; gathering white oak acorns and groundnuts; harvesting the blueberry crop; went fishing; made willow whistles p.81

Chapter 13

  1. What did Sam decide to use to keep warm for the winter? A clay fireplace p.89
  2. What was Sam looking for as he dug around the old Gribley farmhouse? Anything metal to help him with his fireplace p.90
  3. What did Sam find to help with his fireplace? A flat, narrow, long rock p.92

Chapter 14

  1. What did Sam do to celebrate Halloween? He had a party by leaving out nuts, crayfish, smoked rabbit and apples for the woodland animals p.96
  2. What was the result of the party? Raccoons came in Sam’s tree house and tossed them all over his bed and floor; Sam got sprayed by a skunk; animals found Sam’s camp and food p.99
  3. How did Sam get rid of the animals? Made the fire big; yelled; growled and snarled, hissed and snorted p.100

Chapter 15

  1. What is this chapter about? Deer hunting season and how Sam gets three deer p.104
  2. How does Sam get three deer? Hunters shot the deer, but couldn’t find them after they dropped dead p.104
  3. Describe how Sam made his deerskin hide jacket? Cut a rectangle with a hole for his head and sewed on straight sleeves p.105
  4. What does Sam compare this jacket to? A Russian military blouse and a carpenter’s apron p.106

Chapter 16

  1. When Sam went into town, what made people stare at him? His clothing p.108
  2. Who is Mr. Jacket? A young man Sam met in the drugstore p.108
  3. What important thing did Sam forget to do to prepare for the winter season? Why did it matter? Stack up a big woodpile; to prevent having to go out into the cold and snow to gather and chop wood p.112

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Sam place “x’s” outside his tree house? It was where he wanted to pile the firewood so he could reach it when the snow was deep and then tunnel to other firewood piles p.112
  2. How did Sam and Frightful spend their winter days and evenings? Eat breakfast; Go to the gorge; ice fishing; digging up plants to eat; go to the field and Frightful would fly while Sam would kick the grasses and sometimes a rabbit or pheasant would come up and Frightful would dive to get it; experiment with food; watch Frightful; write notes; go to bed p.113
  3. Sam thought he would tunnel to get to his firewood, but what did he end up doing instead? Walking on the snow and digging for wood p.115

Chapter 18

  1. Who does Sam compare the birds of the forest to? People who lived at his apartment house on Third Avenue home p.117
  2. Who was Sam’s first visitor during the Christmas holiday? Bando p.119
  3. Bando brought up newspaper articles. What did they report? A young man living in the Catskill Mountains p.120
  4. Who also came to visit Sam? His dad p.124

Chapter 19

  1. During the winter months what helped Sam know what to expect in the weather? The birds and animals p.134
  2. Why did Sam oversleep after the rain had frozen into ice? His home was in a block of ice and he couldn’t hear any morning sounds p.139
  3. Find an example of a simile on page 139. ice on a limb like shattering crystal; sky like Indian soup
  4. What was the consequence of the ice storm in the forest? broken trees and limbs lay everywhere; birds and animals died of starvation p.141

Chapter 20

  1. Why couldn’t Sam let Frightful go? He needed her still; she would have been killed by another female since she didn’t have a territory; he had trained her to have instincts made for man; she was a captive bird, not a wild bird p.149
  2. What information did Sam tell Matt Spell? He saw the wild boy wearing a bearskin coat who ran away and lives in a cave. The boy has long matted hair and wears a coon-tail hat. The boy wears newspapers for shoes and does a lot of fishing. He lives off of fish, roots, berries, rabbit and nuts.p.154
  3. What was the deal Matt made with Sam? Matt would come stay with Sam during spring break and would print what Sam told him to p.156

Chapter 21

  1. What does creating the guesthouse mean to Sam? That he was not a runaway anymore; he wouldn’t be alone anymore and hiding in the wilderness p.166
  2. How did Sam know his time on the mountain was coming to an end? Matt said photographers may be on the mountain; more and more newspaper articles were out about him; now that people knew about him, they would move him back to the city p.168

Chapter 22

  1. Who came to visit Sam? The entire family p.174
  2. Why did Sam’s family come to the mountain? They missed him; wanted to see what he was doing; his mom still wanted to take care of him and be his mom p.176
  3. What did Sam’s dad begin to build? A house p.176
  4. Summarize your favorite part of this story. Listen to your child's answer

Comprehension Questions – The Sword in the Tree

The Sword in the Tree

by Clyde Robert Bulla

Grades 3-5; Genre - Fantasy; GRL O; AR pts: 2.0

In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, long lost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and happiness. It was then than Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, took on the duties of a knight and hid the sword in the hollow of the giant oak. The days that followed were filled with adventures that tried the courage of the young boy.

Comprehension Questions (by Sylvia)

Chapter 1

  1. When Lady Marion is afraid Shan tells her not to be afraid for what two reasons? King Arthur has beaten all their enemies and that they have the strongest castle in England. P.2
  2. Who is the wounded knight? Shan’s uncle, Uncle Lionel. P.7

Chapter 2

  1. When Uncle Lionel wakes up, what rude name does he call Shan?  A young dog p.9
  2. Uncle Lionel does not apologize to Shan, but tells Shan it was only a what?  A joke p. 9

Chapter 3

  1. When Lionel sees Nappus in the garden what does he want to do to him?  Throw a rock at him. P. 17
  2. Why does Lionel get angry at Shan?  Because Shan will not jerk the reins of his horse around as Lionel is telling him to do. P. 22

Chapter 4

  1. What responsibility does Shan ask his father for?  To take care of his father’s sword. P.25
  2. How does Lionel say his brother died?  Lionel says that Lord Weldon road his horse into quicksand. P. 28

Chapter 5

  1. How did Lionel take over the castle?  Lionel brought his friends and their servants to live in the castle and sent the old servants away. P 32
  2. Where does Shan hide his father’s sword?  In the garden, in the hollow of the oak. P. 34

Chapter 6

  1. What does Nappus tell Shan and Lady Marion? That Lionel killed Lord Weldon in a trap. P42
  2. Because Shan and his mother are in danger what do they do?    They leave the castle quickly. P 43

Chapter 7

  1. When Shan and Lady Marion run away what does Shan take with him? A small purse of money, a tinderbox to make a fire, and string to make a trap. P. 51
  2. What trouble do they run into?  They get robbed of their money and jewels. P. 51

Chapter 8

  1. What does the boy think Shan is doing with his goat?  He thinks Shan is going to steal it. P. 56
  2. With whom do Lady Marion and Shan find shelter?  Adam the herdsman and his wife Phebe. P. 59

Chapter 9

  1. What idea does a lost hunter give Shan?  To go to Camelot and ask King Arthur for help. P. 64
  2. Shan only gets permission to go to Camelot after what happens?  Adam says that Magnus can go with Shan. P. 66

Chapter 10

  1. While on Twigg’s raft what do the boys do?  They fish for dinner. P. 70
  2. What do Magnus and Shan find on the way to Camelot?  A little gray donkey. P. 72

Chapter 11

  1. While the boys wait in Camelot for 6 days what do they do?  Magnus and the donkey get a job carrying firewood and Shan gets a job with a shoemaker. P. 77
  2. To find out if Shan is telling the truth King Arthur send which of his knights to Weldon castle?  Sir Gareth. P 83

Chapter 12

  1. Sir Gareth tells Shan that if his story is true King Arthur might make him a knight.  How does Sir Gareth say that King Arthur turns boys into knights?  First, he finds them young, then he makes them pages and they work in the kitchens and at table, then they become squires to knights and finally, if they have learned their lessons well they become knights. P. 87
  2. What does Lionel say happened to Lady Marion and Shan?  That they went away into the woods and were killed by wolves. P. 89

Chapter 13

  1. How does Shan prove to Sir Gareth that his story is true?  He goes into the garden and retrieves his father’s hidden sword from the hollow of the tree. P. 94
  2. When Sir Gareth sees Shan’s proof, he challenges Lionel to battle. Who wins and who loses?  Sir Gareth wins and Lionel yields. P. 97

Chapter 14

  1. Where does Nappus take Shan?  To the dungeons. P. 99
  2. Who is in the dungeon?  Shan’s father, Lord Weldon. P. 101