Tag Archives: Series

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Yellow Yacht

The Yellow Yacht

by Ron Roy

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Comprehension Questions – A to Z Mysteries The Lucky Lottery

The Lucky Lottery

by Ron Roy

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

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Comprehension Questions – #3 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

J.K. Rowling

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL V; AR pts: 18.0

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

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why was Harry up in the middle of the night doing his homework? He wasn’t supposed to have his school books p.3
  2. Who did he receive birthday presents from? Ron, Hermione and Hagrid p.7
  3. Why were the Weasley’s in Egypt? Their father had won a grand prize and they wanted to visit their son Bill in Egypt p.8
  4. Why was Harry finally like everyone else? He was glad it was his birthday p.15

Chapter 2

  1. Describe the man who escaped and was on the news? His name is Sirius Black, he has long black hair, he’s a prisoner, armed and dangerous, gaunt face p.17
  2. Why did harry hide his presents and send Hedwig away? To look as normal as possible while Aunt Marge was in town so his uncle would sign his Hogsmeade permission form p.21
  3. Why was having Aunt Marge around so difficult for Harry? She was very rude to him all the time p.23
  4. What did Harry do to Aunt Marge when she spoke badly of his father? Made her blow up like a balloon p.29

Chapter 3

  1. Why was Harry worried that he might go to Azkaban? He’s broken laws, like blowing up his aunt p.40
  2. How did Harry travel to London after leaving the Dursleys? the Knight Bus p.34
  3. What was Aunt Marge’s outcome? She was deflated and her memory was altered p.44
  4. Why did Harry think his conversation with the Minister of Magic was strange? He didn’t get punished for what he’d done, the minister didn’t usually deal with underage magic, the minister made everything right with Aunt Marge p.45

Chapter 4

  1. What item did Harry want to spend his gold on, but knew he couldn’t? the Firebolt broomstick p.51
  2. How did Harry feel about staying at the Leaky Cauldron? Why? He enjoyed it; it was great not having anyone telling him what to do or when to do it; he could do his homework in the sunshine; he could explore the shops on Diagon Alley p.49
  3. What did Hermione end up buying with her birthday money? A very large ginger colored cat p.60
  4. Why does Mr. Weasley and the Ministry of Magic think Black is after Harry? Black would say “He’s at Hogwarts” in his sleep p.66

Chapter 5

  1. What did Mr. Weasley tell Harry when he was about to get on the Hogwarts Express? About Sirius Black p.72
  2. What saved Harry and his friends from getting in a brawl with Malfoy on the train? The kids had a professor of Hogwarts in their train car p.80
  3. What happened to Harry when he saw the dementor on the train? He heard screaming, got cold, saw white fog and fainted p.83
  4. Why was Hagrid crying after Dumbledore announced he was a new teacher? Hagrid was so happy p.93

Chapter 6

  1. Describe what Divinations is going to teach? Fortune telling p.103
  2. What types of things did Professor Trelawney say that made the students tense and tremble? Things about their futures, mostly bad p.103
  3. How did Professor McGonagall feel about Professor Trelawney’s prediction for Harry’s future? That it’s not going to happen; Professor Trelawney’s not reliable p.109
  4. Why did Hagrid think he was going to get fired? Malfoy got hurt during his class by a hippogriff because he insulted it p.120

Chapter 7

  1. Why was Professor Snape so upset when Hermione helped Neville with his potion? He had previously told her not to help him p.128
  2. What does “practical” mean in this sentence on page 130, “today’s will be a practical lesson”? learning by application or personal experience p.130
  3. Why was Harry deflated after leaving Professor Lupin’s class? He didn’t get to fight the boggart and felt Professor Lupin didn’t have faith in him p.140
  4. How did the rest of the class feel about Lupin’s lesson? They were excited; felt it was the best lesson they’d ever had in that class p.140

Chapter 8

  1. Why were Hermione and Ron not speaking to each other? Crookshanks tried to catch Scabbers p.147
  2. What did Professor Trelawney predict that happened on October 16th? Lavender got a letter saying her rabbit died p.148
  3. Why didn’t Professor McGonagall give permission to Harry to go to Hogsmeade? His parent or guardian didn’t sign the permission form p.150
  4. What was a positive outcome from Harry staying home from Hogsmeade? He got to talk to Professor Lupin and clear up what had been bothering him p.155

Chapter 9

  1. Why are all the students sleeping in the Great Hall on Halloween night? For safety; The fat lady in Gryffindor’s password portrait was missing and she wouldn’t let in Black, so the teachers looking for Black p.162
  2. What was Professor McGonagall going to do so Harry could still practice Quidditch with his team? Have Madam Hooch oversee the training sessions p.168
  3. How did Ron get detention? He spoke out of turn and was disrespectful to Snape p.172
  4. Why did Harry miss the snitch during the Quidditch match? He saw dementors on the field and fainted again p.179

Chapter 10

  1. Why do the dementors affect Harry so badly? He has horrors in his past that others don’t p.187
  2. How did Harry find his way to Hogsmeade? A magical map Fred and George gave him that has secret passages to Hogsmeade p.195
  3. Why was Hermione upset that Harry came to Hogsmeade? She was worried about his safety and about getting caught p.198
  4. Why were Ron and Hermione lost for words after the professors and minister of magic left the Three Broomsticks? They had overheard how Sirius Black betrayed Harry’s parents to the Dark Lord p.210

Chapter 11

  1. What did Harry want to do with Black? Kill him; go after him p.215
  2. Why was Hagrid so upset? His hippogriff was under trial and could be executed p.219
  3. What was Harry’s most exciting Christmas present and who gave it to him? The Firebolt; he doesn’t know who gave it to him p.223
  4. Who did Hermione think gave the broom to Harry? Black p.232

Chapter 12

  1.  What happy memory finally worked when Harry was practicing with Professor Lupin? When he learned he was leaving the Dursleys for Hogwarts p.241
  2. Who did Professor Lupin attend Hogwarts with as a child? Harry’s mom and dad p.243
  3. Why would Professor Lupin be suspicious of Harry when he gave him butterbeer? He wondered how Harry would get some when it’s only found in Hogsmeade, and he’s not supposed to go there p.246
  4. Did Mrs. McGonagall find any curses on the Firebolt? No p.248

Chapter 13

  1. What did Harry notice about Ravenclaw’s seeker before the Quidditch match? She’s really pretty p.259
  2. What did Harry do when he saw the three dementors below him? He pulled out his wand and cast the spell he’d been practicing with Professor Lupin p.262
  3. Why did Ron cry out in the night? He awoke to Black looming over him with a knife p.266
  4. Where did Black get Gryffindor’s passwords? Neville wrote them down and lost them p.268

Chapter 14

  1. What did Hagrid summon Ron and Harry? He wanted to tell them that Hermione is lonely and overwhelmed from school and needs a friend p.274
  2. Why did Harry have to race back to the castle from Hogsmeade? Draco and his friends saw him and were going to tell on him p.281
  3. What did Professor Lupin do for Harry in Snape’s office? Covered for him so he wouldn’t get in trouble p.290
  4. Why wasn’t Lupin going to cover for Harry again? Harry’s gambling his parents’ sacrifice for a bag of tricks and he’s not going to support him if he’s going to be foolish p.290

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Hermione punch Draco? He was mocking Hagrid p.293
  2. Why was the Gryffindor house so anxious for the Quidditch game? They knew they had to win by a certain amount to win the Cup p.301
  3. During the Quidditch match, what did Harry do to distract Draco from seeing the snitch? He knew Draco was following him, so he led him away from it p.308
  4. Who won the Quidditch Cup? Gryffindor p.313

Chapter 16

  1. Why was Cornelius Fudge at Hogwarts? Buckbeak’s appeal and execution and to check on the Black situation p.320
  2. What did Harry say he saw during his final in Divinations? A hippogriff flying away p.323
  3. What happened to Professor Trelawney during Harry’s final? She was possessed and spoke of a servant of the Dark Lord breaking free and joining the Dark Lord that night p.324
  4. Why didn’t Hagrid want the kids present during the execution? He didn’t want them to see it and he didn’t want them to get caught p.328

Chapter 17

  1. Where did the dog take Ron? Into the secret tunnel under the Whomping Willow p.335
  2. Where did the tunnel lead? Hogsmeade in the Shrieking Shack p.337
  3. What can Professor Lupin turn into? A werewolf p.345
  4. Who is Scabbers? Peter Pettigrew p.348

Chapter 18

  1. What were the precautions Dumbledore took so Professor Lupin could attend Hogwarts as a child? He had the Whomping Willow planted, the secret tunnel made, the Shrieking Shack made with the tunnel leading to it; all so Lupin could go there during the full moon p.353
  2. What did Lupin’s friends learn and why? How to shape shift; to help Lupin when he turned into a werewolf p.354
  3. Why doesn’t Snape trust Lupin? He knows what he is and thinks he was in on the joke that almost had him killed as a student at Hogwarts p.357
  4. How did Snape get Harry’s invisibility cloak? Harry and Hermione had thrown it off at the willow tree so they could chase Ron and he saw it when he followed them p.357

Chapter 19

  1. How did Lupin and Black prove Peter Pettigrew was Scabbers? They used a spell that turned him back into a human p.366
  2. How did Black survive and escape Azkaban? He knew he was innocent and would change into a dog so the dementors wouldn’t affect him as much; he escaped by turning into a dog and easily slipping passed the guards when they opened his p.371
  3. Why did Black expect Peter to have died rather than betray his friends? Because they would have died for him p.375
  4. Why did it offend Ron to know that Scabbers really was Peter Pettigrew? Peter had used Ron’s family to hear word of the Dark Lord and he betrayed Harry and his parents p.377

Chapter 20

  1. How did Harry feel about the prospect of living with Sirius instead of the Dursleys? He was thrilled and couldn’t wait p.379
  2. How did Pettigrew get away as the group headed to the castle? The full moon came out from behind the clouds, Lupin changed into a werewolf and Pettigrew turned back into a rat and scampered away p.381
  3. What saved Harry, Hermione and Black from the dementors? Someone else had cast the Expecto Patronum spell and protected them p.385

Chapter 21

  1. Why is Sirius going to be receiving the dementors Kiss? Snape has convinced Fudge that Sirius is guilty and that the children are delusional p.391
  2. What can the hourglass do on Hermione’s chain? time travel p.395
  3. What innocent lives did Harry and Hermione save? Buckbeak, Sirius Black, and their own p.396
  4. Who really saved Harry and his friends? Harry did when he went back in time p.411

Chapter 22

  1. Why was Fudge going to remove the dementors from Hogwarts? They almost killed Harry p.421
  2. Why did Lupin need to resign? Parents wouldn’t stand for a werewolf teaching their children; he knows he could have hurt Harry and his friends p.423
  3. Why was Harry so upset he stopped Black and Lupin from killing Pettigrew? He’s the Dark Lord’s servant and now the Dark Lord will come back again p.426
  4. What did Sirius give Harry permission to do the next year? Go to Hogsmeade p.433

Comprehension Questions – #16 Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day

Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-2; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts 1.0

Afternoon kindergarten is having a field day, and Junie B. Jones is team captain! Only, here's the problem. Room Eight keeps on winning too many events. And so how will Room Nine ever become the kindergarten champions? As Captain Field Day, will Junie B. find a way to lead her team to victory? Or will it be up to someone else to save the day?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why is Junie B. so excited for Field Day? Her class gets to compete against room 8 (another kindergarten class) in races p.2
  2. Why did Junie B. call Grace? She wanted to make sure Grace was coming to Field Day; she was excited and wanted to talk to her p.4
  3. Find an idiom on page 6 that means bragging about yourself. Toot your own horn p.6

Chapter 2

  1. What were Junie B. and her friends doing to get ready for Field Day? Skipping around the room p.8
  2. How was a team captain chosen for Field Day? There were 16 blank slips of paper and one with captain written on it. The students all get to pick a paper and the one with the word captain written on it is the captain p.12
  3. Who gets to be the team captain? Junie B. p.15

Chapter 3

  1. How did Mrs. define what being a team captain was? She said that the captain supports the team and keeps them united p.18
  2. Why was Junie B. disappointed in Mrs.’ definition of a captain? She wanted to boss her team around and wear a superhero uniform p.17
  3. Why did Junie B.’s classmates groan when she told them to line up behind her since she was Captain Field Day? They didn’t want her bossing them around p.20

Chapter 4

  1. Define good sportsmanship? Good sportsmanship is when people who are playing or watching a sport treat each other with respect. This includes players, parents, coaches, and officials. p.25
  2. Why was it hard for Junie B. to show good sportsmanship and shake the other team captain’s hand? She didn’t like the other team captain p.25
  3. Who came to watch Junie B. for Field Day? Her parents and grandparents p.26

Chapter 5

  1. What did Grace whisper to Charlotte to persuade her to move from the front of the line? Please p.31
  2. Why didn’t William want to run? He doesn’t feel like he’s very fast p.33
  3. What did Junie B. lose during the race? Her shoe p.35

Chapter 6

  1. Why was Junie B.’s class upset with her? She made them lose the race by stopping and putting on her shoe p.38
  2. Why did Mrs. have to explain the purpose of Field Day to her class? They were all mad they lost the race p.39
  3. What was the next event Room 9 lost? The softball throw p.47

Chapter 7

  1. Why wasn’t Junie B. excited to do a cheer before the tug-of-war? Her team had lost all 3 events and she had lost her enthusiasm p.50
  2. Why did Room 9 want to give up? They had lost every event and were discouraged p.54
  3. Why was the class surprised when William stepped up to do the pull up competition? He was timid and all day he commented on not being able to compete very well p.57

Chapter 8

  1. How many pull ups did Frankie do and how many did William do? Frankie 7; William 11 p.59
  2. Why did Junie B. ask Mrs. to put her cape on William? He was their superhero p.63
  3. How was William able to do so many pull ups? He practiced at home everyday p.65

Comprehension Questions – The Dark is Rising Sequence #3 Greenwitch

Greenwitch

by Susan Cooper

Grades 6-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL X; AR pts: 6.0

The Dark has stolen an object of great power — a golden grail that holds avital secret. Will embarks on a new quest to reclaim the grail, and to drive back the Dark once again. But first he will need the help of three former grail seekers: Jane, Simon, and Barney Drew. Learning to work together, they must take back the grail and retrieve the missing manuscript that unlocks its mystical secret. But the manuscript is located at the bottom of the sea, and their only hope of obtaining both grail and script is entangled in the mysterious ritual of the Greenwitch....

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Who are the main characters and what’s the setting of this story?  Jane, Simon & Barnabas Drew; In a museum where the grail had been stored p.2
  2. To their surprise, who was in the museum? Great-Uncle Merry p.3
  3. Who is Great-Uncle Merry? Merriman Lyon p.6
  4. Where is Jane, Barney and Simon going on Easter vacation and with who? Back to Trewissick, where they found the grail; with Merriman and Will p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Where are the families staying in Trewissick? In two cottages connected that overlook the harbor p.13
  2. How do the Drew kids feel about Will? They’re unhappy that he's with them since Gumerry gave them a secret mission. They feel he’ll get in the way, so they’ll have to ditch him p.15
  3. How did Merriman reply when Barney said Will was going to be a nuisance? Merriman told him not to dismiss anyone’s value until he knew him p.19
  4. Why was Rufus kidnapped? To keep Captain Toms away from the Greenwitch p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Who invited Jane to the Greenwitch ceremony? Mrs. Penhallow p.26
  2. Who were the only people that could attend the ceremony? Local women p.26
  3. What was the figure made with and what did it look like? Different types of tree boughs; a woman’s head and body p.28
  4. Who pushed the Greenwitch off the ledge into the ocean? The men of the village p.33

Chapter 4

  1. Why did the Drew children go out to look for Gumerry? They hadn’t seen him since the Greenwitch ceremony p.38
  2. What did Barney put together about Merriman and the man who stole Rufus along with his painting? The man is from the Dark and Merriman saved them from him p.42
  3. What secret did the Greenwitch show Jane? A small bright shining thing; something the Greenwitch guarded p.45
  4. How does Jane feel about the Greenwitch? She feels sorry for it p.46

Chapter 5

  1. Where did Rufus take Simon and Barney? Where the man from the Dark kept him prisoner; Pentreath Farm p.49
  2. Who had the boys seen come out of the gypsy caravan and why did they come out of the trees? The man from the Dark; he commanded them to come out p.50
  3. What was in the box with Barney’s picture? The grail p.53
  4. What did the painter of the Dark want Barney to do? Look in the chalice and see what he sees with water and oil p.56

Chapter 6

  1. Why are the boys so hungry? It’s past time for breakfast and they’d been gone a long time p.61
  2. Who took over Barney when he looked into the oil and water? Something from the Dark p.63
  3. Where did Will and Merriman go after hearing what Simon told them? jumped off the cliff into the ocean p.66
  4. What did Captain Toms do to the children after Will and Merriman left and why? Made them forget, so they wouldn’t realize Will and Merriman’s power; so they wouldn’t continue to be upset p.67

Chapter 7

  1. Describe Tethys. The Lady of the Sea, lived deep in the ocean, older than the land, Old Ones, and all men, she ruled her kingdom of waves alone, as she had since the world began p.69
  2. What gift did Merriman give to Tethys? Barney’s picture p.70
  3. What did Merriman and Will want from Tethys? To get the item from the Greenwitch p.71
  4. What are the stipulations for Will and Merriman to retrieve the item? They can go to the Greenwitch and try to get it from her, but if the Greenwitch crosses into Tethys territory, and they haven’t gotten it yet, they cannot enter Tethys’ territory again to get it p.72

Chapter 8

  1. Who did the children see on the quay and what was he doing? The painter; painting a picture p.76
  2. Why were the children upset the painting man was still painting after it got dark outside? He wouldn’t have been able to see what he was doing, so they knew he was up to something p.80
  3. What’s a beacon fire? A warning fire to those far away p.82
  4. What came out of the sea when the painter held the canvas over his head and cried out in a strange language? The Greenwitch p.85

Chapter 9

  1. Why did the painter summon the Greenwitch? To ask her for the ancient Thing of Power she is guarding p.87
  2. Why won’t she give it to him? It is her treasure and secret p.87
  3. What did the Greenwitch do to the painter when he tried to use his Dark power to command her? She overtook him and caused him to go unconscious p.89
  4. What did Captain Toms convince Bill Stanton to do with the painter? Take him to a hospital p.90

Chapter 10

  1. What did Gumerry bring to Jane and what did he promise her? Hot cocoa; they would all be safe p.94
  2. Why didn’t Jane throw open the window and shout out a warning to Merriman? She had known him for too long and knew he wasn’t like other men, he was of the Light p.96
  3. What did Jane realize was the reason why Merriman wanted them to go to sleep? So they wouldn’t see the nightmares that were occurring out their windows p.100
  4. What did Jane finally manage to do after hiding in her covers? Go to sleep p.100

Chapter 11

  1. What is the item the Greenwitch is guarding? The parchment needed to read the grail p.102
  2. How did Greenwitch get possession of it? Just after the kids had found the grail, the Dark ones came chasing them. Barney threw it and it fell into the ocean p.102
  3. What had captured the painter and taken him away for good? The Wild Magic p.107
  4. Why did the Greenwitch give the secret to Jane? Jane had made a wish for the Greenwitch and not for herself p.108

Chapter 12

  1. What does Merriman need to read the writing on the scroll? The grail p.112
  2. What was gone when the group drove out to the farm to get the grail? The caravan p.115
  3. What did the boys see in the barn? An old worn caravan just like the painter’s caravan, but older p.119
  4. How did the boys find the grail? Will told them to tell him exactly what the painter said when they found the grail the first time in the caravan p.121

Chapter 13

  1. What did Merriman check before destroying the parchment? If Will and Captain Toms had the poem in their memories p.124
  2. Why didn’t Will want Jane to give her bracelet to the Greenwitch? It would become black and dirty looking in the water p.127
  3. What did Will make for Jane to give to the Greenwitch? A strip of gold with a poem inside the case that held the manuscript.127
  4. What was in Jane’s room the night she received the secret? Remnants of the Greenwitch p.129

Comprehension Questions – #21 Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants

Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants

by Barbara Park

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

Junie B. Jones has all the answers when it comes to cheating. It's just plain wrong! But what about homework? That's not cheating, right? 'Cause homework isn't even a test! And speaking of tests, what if a friends shares an answer that you didn't even ask for? Sharing definitely isn't cheating...is it? Uh-oh. Maybe this cheating business is more complicated than Junie B. thought. Could she be a cheater pants and not even know it?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why didn’t Junie B. get her homework finished? She forgot to do it over the weekend and her dad wouldn’t let her stay up late to do it p.1
  2. Why did May go to the office? To take the attendance sheet p.5
  3. What did Junie B. do while May was gone? Copied May’s homework p.9

Chapter 2

  1. What was the assigned homework over the weekend? Each student had to write a fun thing they did over the weekend p.12
  2. What did Roger write about his weekend? He got a pizza with his dad, ate a whole anchovy and didn’t throw up until they were almost home p.17
  3. Why did Junie B. tuck her paper into her desk? She thought she didn’t need it since she could just tell what she did p.17

Chapter 3

  1. What was the problem with Junie B.’s turn when she said what she did over the weekend? She didn’t read it from her paper p.21
  2. Why did Mr. Scary want to see Junie B.’s paper? Because she was acting funny p.22
  3. What did Mr. Scary realize and what did he say to Junie B.? that she was cheating and that he was very disappointed in her p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Summarize what Mr. Scary talked to Junie B. about during recess. That she cheated and it’s a very serious thing p.30
  2. Why does Junie B. think cheating is in her blood? Her dad cheated at Old Maid and her grandpa cheated on his diet p.35
  3. Why did Mr. Scary give Junie B. a note to give to her parents? To let them know she had cheated p.37

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Junie B. hide in her room after giving the note to her parents? She was scared she’d get in big trouble p.41
  2. Why did Junie B.’s mom and dad also need to talk to her about cheating? It’s their responsibility as parents to teach and correct their kids p.44
  3. Did you think Junie B.’s parents handled the situation appropriately? Explain. Listen to your child’s answers p.45

Chapter 6

  1. Explain why Junie B. thinks Herbert is good for her. Even though she made a bad choice, he still likes her and helps her know not to do it again p.49
  2. Using the rules on page 55, write your own Cinquain. Help your child if needed p.55
  3. What did the four friends decide their Cinquain would be about? Friends or Pallies p.60

Chapter 7

  1. Use a word to describe Lucille and explain why you chose it.  Listen to your child’s answers p.63
  2. What was wrong with May’s poem? It didn’t follow the rules of the Cinquain p.65

Chapter 8

  1. What grade did Junie B. and her friends get on their poem? A+ p.68
  2. Why was Junie B. upset after recess? Her class was taking a spelling test and she didn’t study p.69
  3. Who helped Junie B. during the spelling test and why did Junie B. think it was ok? Herbert; he was only sharing the word p.74

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Herbert sleep well the night of the test? He felt bad for cheating during the test p.80
  2. How does Junie B. know how Herbert feels? She’s also a cheater pants and feels bad too p.81
  3. What was Junie B.’s and Herbert’s consequence for cheating? They got zeros on their spelling tests and their parents were called; Junie B. got in trouble p.83
  4. Why does Mr. Scary trust Junie B. even though she cheated again? She told truth about it p.86

Comprehension Questions – #15 Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket

Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket

by Barbara Park

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

It's almost the end of the year, and Room Nine is taking a field trip to a farm! The whole class is very excited...except Junie B. Jones. 'Cause farms have scary ponies, that's why. And scary roosters, too. Will Junie B. find anything good at this place? Or will this turn out to be the "worstest" field trip ever?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why did Junie B. want the classroom number she was going to be in the next year? So her mom would know where to take her p.3
  2. Why did Junie B. feel sickish when her teacher told her she was going to be in first grade? She didn’t want to be with the other first graders since they’re bullies to her p.4
  3. Where were the children going on an end-of-the-year field trip? To a farm p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Why doesn’t Junie B. like farms? They’re dangerous because of the ponies p.10
  2. Why did Junie B.’s dad go to his room for a time-out? He was laughing at Junie B. instead of helping Junie B.’s mom explain that ponies don’t hurt people 11
  3. What was Junie B. more scared of than ponies? Roosters p.15

Chapter 3

  1. What animal did Lucille draw and was that a farm animal? A flamingo; no p.21
  2. What kind of farm was Paul hoping the class was going to? A catfish farm p.22
  3. What did Junie B. draw? A tree fallen on top of a rooster p.24

Chapter 4

  1. Why didn’t Junie B. want to buy clothes for the farm and learn how to use the camera her mom got her? She said she was going to get a fever the day of the field trip; she didn’t want to go on the field trip p.27
  2. Why did Junie B. still have to go to school when she said she had a fever? Her mom took her temperature and it was fine p.29
  3. According to Jim, why do farmers wear hats? To protect their heads from chickens pecking them and making them nubs p.34

Chapter 5

  1. What was Junie B. hoping would happen when she hid behind her backpack? That Mrs. wouldn’t see her, and she’d get to stay on the bus during the field trip p.38
  2. Who told Mrs. Junie B. was hiding on the bus? Jim p.40
  3. Why did Junie B. get shivers on her arms when she saw Farmer Flores wearing a hat? She knew he must be wearing the hat to protect his head from the roosters on his farm p.43

Chapter 6

  1. How did the farmer convince Junie B. to get off the bus? She became his helper and one of the jobs was to keep the other children in order p.45
  2. List three animals Junie B. saw at the farm? Have your child list two of the following: Cows, sheep, horses, ponies, pigs and goats p.49
  3. What did Junie B. throw away and why? Her camera since she was finished taking pictures and her mom said it was a throw away camera p.53

Chapter 7

  1. Where did Junie B. wait while the other children went into the henhouse? Outside the fence p.58
  2. What did Famer Flores give to Junie B.? a baby chick p.61
  3. What was Spike going to become? A rooster p.63

Chapter 8

  1. Why was Junie B. confused in this chapter? She liked Spike, but hated roosters and Spike was going to become a rooster p.64
  2. What convinced Junie B. that she didn’t need to be scared of roosters anymore? Farmer Flores took off his hat and she saw that his head wasn’t a nub p.65

Comprehension Questions – The Littles Have a Wedding

The Littles Have a Wedding

by John Peterson

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

Meet the Littles, a family like any other but with a few tiny differences! They live in the walls of the Bigg family house where they get everything they need. In return they make sure the Bigg house is always in good repair. When Dinky comes home from his latest adventure, he's not alone. Della came back with him and they're going to be married! But a tiny person wedding takes a huge amount of preparation. The Littles need to get everything ready and travel to a neighboring house by the next day. Will they be ready in time?

Comprehension Questions (by Steve)

Chapter 1

  1. What were the Littles pulling onto the roof? A pair of black binoculars.  Pg 6.
  2. Who were they looking for? Cousin Dinky. Pg. 8.
  3. What was the smoke from? The Fine’s house was on fire. Pg 11.
  4. What happened after the Fines were rescued? The glider caught on fire and crashed. Pg 14.

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Uncle Pete think Dinky didn’t have a girl friend? Too busy adventuring. Pg 17.
  2. What was the only thing wrong with the Fine’s apartment? Smelled of smoke. Pg21.
  3. How did Dinky tell the great news? By a song on his guitar. Pg. 23.
  4. Did Della want Dinky to stop flying? No, she loved adventure. Pg. 26.

Chapter 3

  1. What was Tom and Lucy looking for in the jewelry box? An old watch. Pg. 29.
  2. Why did they want the watch? There were 21 rubies inside for a ring. Pg. 30.
  3. What was good about the rubies? They are hard, last forever. Pg. 31.

Chapter 4

  1. What was Granny Little making for Della? Her wedding dress. Pg. 33.
  2. What were the 2 kinds of weddings that tiny people had? Church and house wedding. Pg. 34.
  3. Why were weddings important to tiny people? They met new people. Pg. 35.

Chapter 5

  1. What caused Dinky to crash when coming back to the Littles? Henry’s balloons. Pg. 39.
  2. Where did he crash? Into a lilac bush. Pg. 40.
  3. What was Dinky’s good news? He found a place for the wedding. Pg. 41.

Chapter 6

  1. What did Mrs. Bigg have for dinner? Chinese food. Pg. 42.
  2. What was the problem with the wedding? Too soon; they had to leave right away. Pg. 43.
  3. Why did Uncle Pete think the Fortune Cooky was a sign? It said don’t rush! Pg. 47.

Chapter 7

  1. Why were the men worried about Granny going to the wedding? Unable to walk. Pg. 49.
  2. What was Tom’s idea? Tie a chair to Henry’s balloon for Granny. Pg. 49.
  3. How did Granny fix Lucy’s dress? With a blue ribbon. Pg. 51.
  4. What did Uncle Pete give Della for a present? A stamp of George Washington. Pg. 52.

Chapter 8

  1. What did they use for weights in the baskets? Henry’s marbles. Pg. 53.
  2. What was Lucy’s weapon? A pepper shaker. Pg. 56.
  3. Why didn’t Granny carry a weapon? Just extra weight; never used one. Pg. 56.
  4. What made them sneeze? The pollen from the hollyhock. Pg. 57.

Chapter 9

  1. Where were the cats when they got to the Long’s house? In front of the secret door. Pg. 59.
  2. Why would the balloon not float away? It was tied to a bush. Pg. 61.
  3. What did they bop the cats with? Marbles. Pg. 65.
  4. What happened to the string? The string broke. Pg. 66.

Chapter 10

  1. What did Mr. Button do when his wife talked? He never let her finish. Pg. 70.
  2. What did the Buttons think of baby Betsy? She was adorable. Pg. 72.
  3. Who saved Tom and Dinky? Hildy, the cat. Pg. 74.

Chapter 11

  1. Where were Della and Dinky to stand? Close to the big people getting married. Pg. 76.
  2. Why were they supposed to be close? Custom and to hear the minister’s words. Pg. 77.

Chapter 12

  1. What was in the doors and windows of the clock-house? Wooden dolls. Pg. 81.
  2. How did Mr. Button know they wouldn’t be noticed in the clock? He had done it before. Pg. 82.
  3. What did the minister do to the clock? Touch the statues. Pg. 86.

Chapter 13

  1. What did Tom use to stick on the ruby? White glue. Pg. 88.

Chapter 14

  1. Where was Tom and Lucy when the wedding started? Fixing the ruby wedding ring. Pg. 92.
  2. What did the tiny people do when the big people got married?  The same things. Pg. 93.
  3. What happened as the minister finished the ceremony? The clock bells rang. Pg. 94.

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #26 Balto of the Blue Dawn

Balto of the Blue Dawn

by Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie always go on important missions, but this time they must save an entire town! The town is Nome, Alaska, and the year is 1925. Many children and grown-ups are sick and dying. The medicine that will save them is coming from Anchorage, a thousand miles away. Its being carried by a relay of dogsleds and dogs, but a huge blizzard is coming through. It's up to Jack and Annie to find a lost team led by the famous sled dog, Balto.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What did Annie see above the woods? A bright flash of light p.4
  2. Where are Jack and Annie needed in this adventure? A seaside town below the Arctic; Alaska p.6
  3. What will the enchanted gold dust help Jack and Annie do and how long does it last? Receive a skill that will only help them when they are saving the lives of others; 12 hours p.7
  4. Why did Teddy give the kids stardust? It will make people forget; Merlin didn’t want Jack and Annie to be remembered by anyone on their mission p.9

Chapter 2

  1. Where did Jack and Annie travel to? Nome, Alaska p.17
  2. What does “quarantine” mean? To be isolated if you’re sick with a deadly illness, so you won’t spread it p.21
  3. What’s the sickness that’s going around the town that requires medicine? Diphtheria p.22
  4. Why did the Board of Health order Gunnar Kaasen to stay in Solomon and not continue to Nome? A huge blizzard was expected to come through the area, and they didn’t want to lose the medicine p.23

Chapter 3

  1. What was the only form of transportation to and from Nome during the winter? Dogsled p.29
  2. What was Oki going to do? Go by dogsled himself to get the medicine from Gunnar Kaasen p.29
  3. What was the radio bulletin Jack and Annie heard while waiting for Oki to talk to his uncle? That 5 people had died in Nome, Alaska from the outbreak of Diphtheria, and the best mushers and dogs were trying to get the medicine to Nome before anyone else dies, but there’s a big blizzard coming from the Arctic and the mushers may not be able to continue to Nome p.34
  4. Why is getting the medicine a race against death? If the medicine doesn’t arrive in time, Oki’s mom, sister and others will die p.38

Chapter 4

  1. If Oki stays in Nome, how are Jack and Annie going to know where to go? Uncle Joe’s sled dogs know the way p.43
  2. What was Oki’s resolve when Jack and Annie told him he had to stay in Nome? He accepted it, but was disappointed p.46
  3. How do Jack and Annie always treat dogs? By being firm, fair and giving kindness and respect p.27
  4. What did Oki give Jack and Annie for food to give to the dogs? Dried fish p.49

Chapter 5

  1. What was Jack an expert of as they travelled through the night? a musher; knowing what a musher does and giving commands to the dogs p.51
  2. Why did the huskies come to a halt and start barking? Jack tumbled off the sled from a sharp curve p.56
  3. Why did Jack fall behind Annie when he was running with the sled? As they were running on ice he broke through and got stuck in the ice p.58
  4. Why did Jack need to get out of his wet boots? It was so cold he could get severe frost bite p.59

Chapter 6

  1. How did Ed help Jack and Annie? He gave them shelter and a warm place to be. He knew what to do for Jack’s feet; he fed them; he also unhitched the dogs so they wouldn’t freeze out in the cold and let them come inside p.62
  2. What did Ed and Annie do to help the dogs feel better? Gave them water and massaged each foot p.64
  3. How did Ed react when Jack and Annie told him they needed to go back into the storm? he thought they were crazy p.69
  4. What did Ed do to stop Jack and Annie from going back into the blizzard? Fed them and was firm on not letting them p.71

Chapter 7

  1. Who is Balto? Gunnar Kaasen’s dog; he’s one of the best lead dogs in Alaska; loves to run a trail; great strength and courage; big shaggy black dog p.74
  2. Why are Alaskans grateful for the animals that live there? The people couldn’t live without them; they get their clothing, food and other necessities from them p.75
  3. What happened when Annie used the stardust in Ed’s home? It made everything look like they were never there p.80
  4. What did the jingling bells mean? Another dogsled was near p.84

Chapter 8

  1. Who did Jack and Annie find? Gunnar Kaasen and his dogsled p.86
  2. What fell off the sled into the snow? The medicine p.88
  3. Why did Annie unhook Balto? So he could help them find the medicine p.88
  4. What influence did Balto have on the other huskies? They were livelier and stronger than before p.94

Chapter 9

  1. Why was Oki excited the newspaper reporters were in town? He wanted the whole world to hear their story and that Jack and Annie saved the day p.98
  2. Why did Jack and Annie throw the stardust into the air? So everyone who saw them on their mission would forget them p.99
  3. Who did Mr. Kaasen say he owed the success of his part of the relay? His dog, Balto p.101
  4. Who bounded after Jack and Annie as they headed for the tree house? Balto p.102

Chapter 10

  1. What did Annie think was the best part of their mission? The dogs p.108
  2. What did Annie find in the greenery? A puppy p.110
  3. Why would the puppy be a gift to Jack and Annie? For always being willing to serve and help Merlin and Morgan p.111
  4. What did they name the puppy? Oki p.114

Comprehension Questions – #20 Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder

Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder

by Barbara Park

Grades 1-4; Genre - Fiction; GRL M; AR pts: 1.0

One of Junie B. Jones's top front teeth is loose! Only Junie B. is not that thrilled about this development. Because what if she looks like toothless Uncle Lou? And even worse...what's all this tooth fairy business? Like, who is this woman, really? And what does she do with all those used teeth? So many questions, so little time.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why doesn’t Junie B. want to write in her journal? She has a loose tooth and it’s driving her crazy p.2
  2. Why does Mr. Scary think losing a top tooth is better than losing a bottom tooth? Having a missing top tooth makes a cute smile and when your tooth grows in you’ll look like a big kid p.6
  3. What did Mr. Scary give Junie B. for being the first one in the class to lose a top tooth? He drew a star on shiny silver paper, cut it out and pinned it on her shirt p.10

Chapter 2

  1. What did Junie B.’s classmates want to see at recess? Her loose tooth p.14
  2. Why was Junie B. upset on the bus ride home from school? Sheldon told her about his uncle who lost all his teeth but one from not brushing or flossing, and that really bothered her p.16
  3. How did Junie B. react when Herb mentioned the tooth fairy? She got chills and butterflies in her stomach p.18

Chapter 3

  1. What did Junie B. do to try to calm Ollie? Hold him, pat his back, hum softly in his ear and put him the closet p.22
  2. What’s Junie B. going to do so she doesn’t lose her tooth? Stop wiggling it p.23
  3. What happened after Grandpa Miller wiggled Junie B.’s tooth? She snapped her mouth closed on his finger and It fell out p.25

Chapter 4

  1. What color was the water Junie B. spit out when her grandpa told her to rinse and spit and why? Pink; because there was a little bit of blood in her spit p.28
  2. How did Junie B. feel about herself when Grandpa Miller lifted her up to the mirror the first time? She hated herself p.30
  3. How did Junie B. feel when she looked in the mirror again? She thought she looked fascinating and looked in the mirror until her mother came home p.33

Chapter 5

  1. What did Junie B. want to take for show and tell at school? Her tooth; the spit cup p.35
  2. Who did Junie B. think the Tooth Fairy was? Teensy little tooth witch p.41
  3. What did Junie B.’s mom do after Junie B. told her about the tooth witch? She ran out of the bathroom p.43

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Junie B. think the tooth witch makes more sense than the tooth fairy? The tooth witch chomps the teeth, but the tooth fairy doesn’t do anything with them p.45
  2. What did her mom suggest that was disgusting? The tooth fairy makes jewelry with the teeth p.48
  3. Why didn’t Junie B. put her tooth under her pillow? The tooth fairy didn’t make sense to her p.49

Chapter 7

  1. What did Herb say when Junie B. showed him her mouth and smile? Wow p.51
  2. Why didn’t Junie B. want to answer Herb when he asked her how much money she got from the tooth fairy? She hasn’t put her tooth under her pillow and she doesn’t want to p.53
  3. What did Junie B. ask that stumped Herb? What does the tooth fairy do with all the teeth? p.56

Chapter 8

  1. How did Room One treat Junie B. when they saw her new smile? They clapped, cheered, gave her a high five; they were happy for her p.58
  2. What was May’s answer when Junie B. asked what the tooth fairy does with the teeth? Nothing; she got up to get a drink p.63
  3. What finally made sense to Junie B.? that the tooth fairy could collect all the teeth p.66

Chapter 9

  1. What did Junie B. get under her pillow that night? Cash p.72
  2. Why was Ollie so happy that morning? He finally got his first tooth p.75
  3. What does Junie B. think the tooth fairy did with her tooth? she recycled it and gave it to Ollie p.77