Kids Read @ CMPL

Big Nate Out Loud Discussion Questions

2011-12-20T07:09:00.000-08:00

After reading Big Nate Out Loud, answer the following discussion questions:

1. This is a compilation of Nate’s adventures, rather than a story. Did you like it?

2. Could you tell the story without the illustrations? Can you read the story with only the illustrations?

3. Which was your favorite adventure?

4. Predict Nate’s future! Do you think that he will be a great person? What do you think he will be doing when he is 35? (Wouldn’t it be funny if he was a teacher?)

If you enjoyed Big Nate Out Loud, check out his other adventures:

· Big Nate Goes for Broke
· Big Nate on a Roll
· Big Nate Strikes Again
· Big Nate: From the Top
· Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
· Big Nate: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Double Fudge Discussion Questions

2011-12-20T06:56:00.001-08:00

After you have read Double Fudge, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Peter thinks that Fudge is obsessed with money. What does this mean? How does Fudge demonstrate his obsession? What do his parents do about this?

2. When cousin Howie and his family come to New York, Fudge gets to spend time with his cousin Mini. What “Fudge-like” adventures does Mini have? How does Fudge feel about his cousin Mini?

3. Do you have younger siblings? What do you like about them? What things annoy you?

4. This story was told from Peter’s point of view. How would it be different if Fudge told the story? How about Jimmy Fargo?

For more fun with Peter and Fudge, check out the first four books in the series:

1. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
2. Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
3. Superfudge
4. Fudge-a-Mania

James and the Giant Peach Discussion Questions

2011-12-20T06:26:00.000-08:00

After reading James and the Giant Peach, answer the following discussion questions:

1. What caused the old man to bestow the magic upon James?

2. What fairy tale is similar to James and the Giant Peach? In what way?

3. Tell how you are alike and different from James?

4. How did the Captain on the ship, Queen Mary, react when he saw the peach?

5. With all of the things that happened to James, what do you think was the best? The worst?

6. What are some things that would make a happy life for you?

Judy Moody Discussion Questions

2011-12-20T06:13:00.001-08:00

After reading Judy Moody answer the following discussion questions:

1. How does Mr. Todd know Judy’s in a bad mood? What does he do to change her mood?

2. Why does Judy have so many band aids?

3. Why did Judy decide the family needed a new pet? What kind of pet did she want? Was that a good choice?

4. What did the toad do that made Judy and Rocky decide to make a secret club? What was the name of the club? How does Stink become a member?

For more fun with Judy Moody, check out the rest of the series:

2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D.: The Doctor is In!
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody: Around the World in 8 1/2 Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody, Girl Detective

Where the Sidewalk Ends Discussion Questions

2011-08-13T12:15:00.001-07:00

After reading Where the Sidewalk Ends, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Do you think poetry has to rhyme?

2. Do you think poetry has to be in a specific form? Check out Lazy Jane which has one word per line. Is this poetry?

3. Check out The Fourth. Why does Shel Silverstein capitalize words like CRASH, BANG, and ZANG?

4. Which was your favorite poem?

5. What makes good poetry?

6. Do you think the pictures added to the poetry? Do you think that the poems would be as funny without the illustrations?

If you liked Where the Sidewalk Ends, try its sequel: A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein.

Ivy + Bean Discussion Questions

2011-08-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

After you have read Ivy + Bean, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Are you more like Ivy or Bean?

2. Why did the girls become such good friends?

3. Do you have to be similar to someone to be friends with them?

4. What is Ivy's room like? Does she collect anything? What is special about your bedroom?

5. Bean and Nancy fight a lot. Do you think this is normal? Why or why not?

6. Did the "spell" work the way you expected? What other spells might Ivy and Bean try in the future?

For more adventues of Ivy and Bean, try:

2. Ivy + Bean and the Ghost Who Had to Go

3. Ivy + Bean Break the Fossil Record

4. Ivy + Bean Take Care of the Babysitter

5. Ivy + Bean Bound to Be Bad

6. Ivy + Bean Doomed to Dance

7. Ivy + Bean What's the Big Idea

The View from Saturday Discussion Questions

2011-08-13T12:07:00.001-07:00

After you have read The View from Saturday, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Why is "The Souls" a good name for the team?

2. What type of person is Hamilton Knapp? Would you want him for a friend?

3. What qualities make up a good team? Do you think "The Souls" are a good team?

4. How does Mrs. Olinski become a "Soul" herself?

5. There are times in life when you have to take risks to be successful. How do "The Souls" and Mrs. Olinski demonstarte their willingness to take risks? How does this contribute to their success as a team?

6. Do you think that there should be a sequel? What do you imagine will happen next?

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid Discussion Questions

2011-08-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

After reading Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid answer the following discussion questions:

1. James Moody's nickname is Stink. How do you think he got it? Do you have a nickname?

2. What type of adventures do you think Newton is having after escaping from the garbage disposal?

3. Stink's favorite president was James Madison. Who is yours and why?

4. Is Judy a good big sister to Stink?

5. Are you like Stink at all? How?

For more fun with Stink, check out the rest of the series:

2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker

3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers

4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express

5. Stink: Solar System Super Hero

6. Stink: The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Discussion Questions

2010-12-16T06:50:00.001-08:00

After reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who first caused Edward Tulane to be created?

2. Do you have a favorite toy now or did you when you were younger? Why is (was) it your favorite?

3. Why does Pellegrina tell the story about a princess who loves no one and is turned into a warthog by a witch to Abilene and Edward?

4. What happens to Edward's heart during this time period? Why do you think his heart is changed?

5. This book is Edward's story, but all of the people who take him in have their own stories, too. Which was your favorite story and why?

The Landry News Discussion Questions

2010-12-16T06:43:00.000-08:00

After reading The Landry News, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Why would this story open up with a copy of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States? Why is this an important amendment? Do we still use it today?

2. Before Cara came to Denton Elementary School, she wrote a newspaper in her old school. What motivated her to start that newspaper? What was its tone?

3. Mr. Larson was stung by Cara's first editorial, but The Landry News ended up reviving his love of teaching. How?

4. Mr. Larson's students know very little about his life outside of school. How much do you know about your teachers? What do you imagine they do on their own time?

5. Why is the principal so upset by the "Lost and Found" article in The Landry News? Would you be?

The Graveyard Book Discussion Questions

2010-12-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

After reading The Graveyard Book, answer the following discussion questions:

1. How did Nobody's parents try to protect him when he first arrived in the graveyard?

2. How did the residents of the graveyard decide on the baby's name?

3. What is "the freedom of the graveyard"? What powers does it give Bod?

4. If you could learn to fade or to dreamwalk, which would you choose and why?

5. If you were Scarlett, would you rather remember your experiences with Bod or forget them?

6. Do you think Neil Gaiman is trying to make a point with this book? If so, what point do you think he's trying to make?

Al Capone Does My Shirts Discussion Questions

2010-12-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

After you have read Al Capone Does My Shirts, answer the following discussion questions:

1. During his first night on Alcatraz Island, how does Moose Flanagan sleep?

2. What do you think causes Moose's hives? Why do they get worse? What makes them get better?

3. What kind of relationship does Moose have with his father? With his mother? Will this change when Natalie goes to school?

4. What would it be like to live on Alcatraz? Would you like to live there?

5. How did Natalie really get accepted into the Esther P. Marinoff school? Do you think Al Capone had anything to do with it?

6. From beginning to the end of the novel, which characters seem to show signs of changing? How do they change? Do you think these changes will last?

The Capture Discussion Questions

2010-09-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

After reading The Capture, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Owlets broght to the St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls are told they are going to be taught the Truth. What is the Truth? Is there a difference between the Truth that is learned and the truth that is told?

2. The owlets are told that no questions are allowed. Would this be difficult for you?

3. Some of the words used in the story are not real words. What are some that you found? Do you have any words that you use that are not real?

4. if you look at a list of characters, you will see that Kathryn Lasky used a variety of different owls. For example, Jatt and Jutt are both long-eared owls. Do you think that the different kinds of owls have different characteristics?

If you would like to read more of the series, try:

2. The Journey

3. The Rescue

4. The Siege

5. The Shattering

Lawn Boy Discussion Questions

2010-09-02T06:37:00.001-07:00

After reading Lawn Boy, answer the following discussion questions:

1. What is the main character's name? Why do you think the author does not give him a name? Would you have given him a name? If so, what would it be?

2. What is the best birthday gift you have ever received?

3. Did you like how Lawn Boy got Arnold back? Would you have gone to the police?

4. What would you do with $480,000?

5. Do you think Lawn Boy will keep mowing lawns for the rest of his life? Why or why not?

If you enjoyed Lawn Boy, look for its sequel-Lawn Boy Returns.

Clementine Discussion Questions

2010-09-02T06:31:00.001-07:00

After reading Clementine, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Clementine does a lot of things that get her into trouble. Is she a bad kid? Why or why not?

2. What names does Clementine call her brother? Why? Can you think of some names for him?

3. Margaret and Clementine are best friends, but they are very different. What are some ways they are different? Why do you think that this friendship works?

4. What are some of the ideas that Clementine and her father came up with in The Great Pigeon War? How do they solve this problem?

5. If you got to spend the afternoon with Clementine, what would you want to do together?

For more adventures of Clementine, try:

The Talented Clementine
Clementine's Letter
Clementine, Friend of the Week

The Gollywhopper Games Discussion Questions

2010-09-02T06:24:00.001-07:00

After reading The Gollywhopper Games, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Would this story have been the same if Gil's father had not been arrested or fired from the toy company?

2. Would you have taken the money Bert Golliwop offered Gil in the bathroom to leave the games?

3. Which task from the Gollywhopper Games was your favorite? Why?

4. If you could choose one character to be friends with in real life, who would that be and why?

5. What would you do if you had won the Gollywhopper Games?

If you liked reading The Gollywhopper Games, try reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

Ramona the Pest Discussion Questions

2010-09-02T06:11:00.001-07:00

After you have read Ramona the Pest, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Are Ramona and Howie friends? Ramona and Susan? Why or why not?

2. Ramona did not like her first day of school. Do you remember your first day of school? Did you like it? Why or why not?

3. Would you say Miss Binney is a good teacher? Give examples to support your answer.

4. What about sharing does Ramona feel adults don't understand? Can you name some things that can't be shared?

5. Does Ramona like being a kindergarten dropout and staying home every day?

6. Does Ramona remind you of someone you know? Is Ramona a pest? Why or why not?

7. Do you think it would be hard work being Ramona?

For more adventures of Ramona, try:

Beezus and Ramona
Ramona the Pest
Ramona the Brave
Ramona and Her Father
Ramona and Her Mother
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Ramona Forever
Ramona's World

Toys Go Out Discussion Questions

2010-07-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

After reading Toys Go Out, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Why are the toys left in?

2. Do you have a favorite toy now or did you when you were younger? Why is (was) it your favorite?

3. Lumphy would rather be warned about something that he won't like. Would you? Why or why not?

4. Do you think the Little Girls love one toy over the others? Why or why not?

5. As you saw with the toys, sometimes it is difficult to find the "right" birthday present. What was the best birthday present that you have ever received? What was the best birthday present you have ever given?

6. Stingray and his friends discuss what it means to be grown-up in chapter 6. What do you think it means to be grown-up?

If you liked Toys Go Out, try its sequel: Toy Dance Party by Emily Jenkins

Sea of Monsters Discussion Questions

2010-07-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

After you have read The Sea of Monsters, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Why does Percy ahve to change schools every year?

2. Why is Percy willing to risk everything to rescue Grover? Would you do the same for a friend?

3. What do the Sirens reveal about a person? What do you think that they would reveal about you?

4. What mythical creature described in this book would you least like to meet in person?

5. Which of the tools described would you most like to have?

If you would like to read the rest of the series, try:

1. The Lightning Thief

3. The Titan's Curse

4. The Battle of the Labyrinth

5. The Last Olympian

Ida B Discussion Questions

2010-07-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

After you have read Ida B., answer the following discussion questions:

1. Why does Ida B go "talk" with the old tree when the young trees in her family's apple orchard tell her that hard times are headed her way?

2. Why does Ida B feel so upset that Ms. Myers, her kindergarten teacher, wants her to go by the name Ida instead of Ida B?

3. Ida B's teacher, Ms. Washington, wisely doesn't push Ida B to make friends or join games at recess. How does she finally break through Ida B's cold heart?

4. After Ida B makes her rounds and apologies to all those she had hurt by being mean, her attitude changes. Do Ida B's actions change as a result of her softer heart?

5. What do you imagine will happen to Ida B after the last chapter? Will she make friends?

Beezus and Ramona Discussion Questions

2010-07-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

After you have read Beezus and Ramona, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Ramona's favorite book is The Littlest Steam Shovel. What is your favorite book?

2. What does your family mean to you? Does anyone in your family ever annoy you?

3. Which do you think is better-being the younger sister or the older sister (or brother)? Why?

4. Ramona invites a lot of children to a party withouut asking her mom's permission because she says, "When I ask you won't let me do things." Is this a good reason? What do you think of the party that Mrs. Quimby and Beezus put together?

5. Beezus envies Ramona for her imagi9nation. How does Miss Robbins discourage beezus at first? How does she later help Beezus develop her imagination?

6. When Mother and Aunt Beatrice tell what they did to each other, Beezus realizes she'll look back and find things Ramona and she did to each other funny, too. What do you think they'll laugh about when they grow up?

For more adventures of Beezus and Ramona, try:
2. Ramona the Pest
3. Ramona the Brave
4. Ramona and Her Father
5. Ramona and Her Mother
6. Ramona Quimby, Age 8
7. Ramona Forever
8. Ramona's World

Superfudge Discussion Questions

2009-12-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

After reading Superfudge, answer the following discussion questions:

1. In what ways does the year in New Jersey affect each member of the family?

2. With a little brother like Fudge hogging the spotlight, Peter feels insignificant. Have you ever felt like "nothing"? Share a time that you felt unimportant and how you snapped out of that feeling.

3. What does Peter think of Tootsie's nickname? Do you think it fits her?

4. What is unique about Uncle Feather? Do you have a pet? Have you taught it tricks?

5. What do you think it would be like to grow up in Judy Blume's family?

If you liked Superfudge, try the other books in the series:

1. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
2. Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
3. Superfudge
4. Fudge-a-mania
5. Double Fudge

Frindle Discussion Questions

2009-12-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

After you have read Frindle, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Is it believable that "frindle" took off and become so well known? Why or why not?

2. "School," the author writes in Frindle, "was the perfect place to launch a new word." Why? What makes schools such good breeding grounds for fads? Do companies or community organizations ever use your school for promoting products or services? How?

3. Why does Mrs. Granger "expect to hear remarkable things" about Nick in the future? Can you predict-based on his creativity and his restless challenging of rules and conventions-what kind of remarkable things he might go on to do?

4. Imagine that you are the reporter from the Wakefield Gazette, trying to get the scoop on the new word frindle. What questions would you ask Mrs. Granger? How would you convince the principal to give you the real story?

The Lightning Thief Discussion Questions

2009-12-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

After you have read The Lightning Thief, answer the following discussion questions:

1. What does Percy discover about the Greek gods at Camp Half Blood? What do they have to do with the camp?

2. What does Percy's fight with Echidna reveal about his character? What new things does he discover about himself?

3. When describing the effects of the Mist, Chiron says, "Remarkable, really, the lengths humans will go to fit things into their version of reality." How is this true in the novel?

4. How does the last line of the prophecy - you shall fail to save what matters most in the end - come true? What do you think of this ending? Did Percy make the right choice?

If you would like to read the rest of the series, try:

2. The Sea of Monsters

3. The Titan's Curse

4. The Battle of the Labyrinth

5. The Last Olympian

A Crooked Kind of Perfect Discussion Questions

2009-12-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

After you have read A Crooked Kind of Perfect, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who was your favorite character and why?

2. What are some of the things most kids do that Zoe missed out on because of her dad's condition?

3. Do you think A Crooked Kind of Perfect uses exaggeration? Which situations seem larger than life? Which situations seem familiar?

4. Do you play a musical instrument? If yes, who chose the instrument? If no, what instrument would you like to play?

5. Do you think that Zoe was happy with how her performance turned out?

6. This was Linda Urban's first book. What do you think would happen in a sequel if she wrote it?

Number the Stars Discussion Questions

2009-12-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

After you have read Number the Stars, answer the following discussion questions:

1. How are Annemarie and Ellen alike? How are they different?

2. How does Annemarie behave around the German soldiers? How does Kristi? Why might the sisters behave so differently?

3. What could the people of Denmark do to help the Jewish people?

4. Do you think Annemarie is brave? Why?

5. Why does Annemarie want to wear Ellen's necklace until she returns?

6. What does the title Number the Stars mean? Does the title fit the story?

7. Number the Stars won the Newbery Award for writing in 1990. Why do you think this was a good selection?

Maniac Magee Discussion Questions

2009-09-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

After reading Maniac Magee answer the following discussion questions:

1. What does “maniac” mean? What do you think a character with this name might be like? Is Maniac Magee similar?

2. What would you do if you were all on your own with no one to take care of
you?

3. How is Maniac just a regular kid? How is he a larger than life character?

4. Why do you think Maniac stays with the McNabs for as long as he does?

5. Why do you think Maniac does so much running?

6. Why do you think the book is broken into four sections? How are they different? How does Maniac change from the beginning to the end?

7. What are some legendary things Maniac does? Which was your favorite?

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Discussion Questions

2009-09-03T07:47:00.001-07:00

After reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, answer the following discussion questions:

1. The story is told from Peter’s point of view. How would it be different if it were told from Fudge’s point of view?

2. With a little brother like Fudge hogging the spotlight, Peter feels insignificant. Have you ever felt like “nothing”? Share a time that you felt unimportant and how you snapped out of that feeling.

3. What were some of the tricks Peter and his parents played on Fudge to get him to behave properly? Was this fair to Fudge? Why or why not?

4. Compare the actions of Peter and the Yarbys, in the context of old-fashioned good manners. Are there different expectations of children and adults in terms of manners?

5. Why do you think Peter’s parents treat him differently than Fudge?

Rules Discussion Questions

2009-09-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

After you have read Rules, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Are rules necessary in some situations? What good purposes to they serve? When can rules be a negative thing?

2. Do you think it’s true that “Leaving out isn’t the same as lying?” If not, is it ever true?

3. Some of Catherine’s rules are what we might call “unwritten rules”. They are comments on how people behave, such as “Sometimes people don’t answer because they didn’t hear you. Other times it’s because they don’t want to hear you.” How do people learn these rules? Why do we have them?

4. If Catherine were to write a rule at the very end of the book, what do you think it would be?

5. Is Catherine a good friend? Why or why not?

Fantastic Mr. Fox Discussion Questions

2009-09-03T07:40:00.001-07:00

After reading Fantastic Mr. Fox, answer the following discussion questions:

1. What do you think of Mr. Fox? Do you admire him? What qualities do you
admire? Do you think he is wrong to take the chickens from the farmers?

2. How could Mr. Fox tell one farmer from another? How did he always know where they were hiding?

3. Why did the people laugh at the three farmers when the farmers destroyed the hill?

4. Would you be mad at Mr. Fox if you were Mr. Badger? Why or why not?

5. Why did Badger worry about what he and Mr. Fox were doing? Were they doing anything wrong? What makes you think so?

6. Can you imagine what Mr. Boggis, Mr. Bunce, and Mr. Bean will be feeling when they find out they have been outwitted by Fantastic Mr. Fox? What plans do you think they will make to
get their own back? How will Mr. Fox outwit them this time?

Mister Monday Discussion Questions

2009-06-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

After reading Mister Monday, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who is your favorite character so far: Arthur Penhaligon, Suzy Turquoise Blue, the piece of the Will, Sneezer, or someone else? Why?

2. How can you tell that Arthur is to be the hero?

3. The number 7 keeps making an appearance through the story-7 keys, 7 deadly sins, and 7 realms. Do you think that it has a significance?

4. Garth Nix is in talks to make a movie of Mister Monday. Who do you think should play Arthur? How about Suzy?

Mister Monday is the first book in the Keys to the Kingdom series. If you liked it, be sure to try:
-Grim Tuesday
-Drowned Wednesday
-Sir Thursday
-Lady Friday
-Superior Saturday
-Sunday’s book will be coming in
Spring 2010

The Giver Discussion Questions

2009-06-08T11:46:00.001-07:00

After reading The Giver, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Jonas is chosen as the next Receiver of Memory. Is this an honor or a punishment?

2. If ignorance of the past is a benefit to the citizens of the community, why do you think that the Receiver of Memory exists?

3. The Chief Elder lists five characteristics that a Receiver must have: intelligence, integrity, courage, wisdom and the Capacity to See Beyond. Was Jonas a good choice for this position?

4. Do you agree with Jonas’s decision to leave the community? Why or why not?

5. How realistic is this society? Could it exist?

If you liked The Giver, try the other books in this series:
-Gathering Blue
-Messenger

Sideways Stories from Wayside School Discussion Questions

2009-06-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

After you have read Sideways Stories from Wayside School, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who is your favorite character and how would you describe him/her?

2. In Sideways Stories from Wayside School, children are punished in ridiculous ways for harmless behavior. Do you think that going home early on the kindergarten bus is an appropriate punishment for misbehavior in class? Why or why not? What would you
suggest as a punishment?

3. Would you like to have Mrs. Jewls for a teacher? Why or why not?

4. How are the chapters arranged in the book? Do you like this format?

5. Is Sideways Stories from Wayside School realistic fiction or fantasy? Why?

If you liked Sideways Stories from Wayside School, try the other books in the series:
-Wayside School is Falling Down
-Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger

Rapunzel's Revenge Discussion Questions

2009-06-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

After reading Rapunzel’s Revenge, answer the following discussion questions:

1. This book is a mixture of multiple formats– graphic novel, western, and fairy tale. Does it work?

2. Could you tell the story without the illustrations? Can you read the story with only the illustrations?

3. Rapunzel becomes a superhero with her long hair. What type of superhero powers would you like?

4. The authors are working on a sequel called Calamity Jack. What do you think will happen to Jack in this story?

For some extra fun, there are Rapunzel’s Revenge paper dolls available at http://spacestationnathan.com/rapunzelpaperdolls.pdf./cmn-dc/profiles/users/lmulvenna/My%20Documents/Binders

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Discussion Questions

2009-01-03T06:40:00.001-08:00

After reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid, answer the following discussion questions:

1. The subtitle of this book is "A Novel in Cartoons." How do the cartoons help convey the message of the book?

2. Could you tell the story without the illustrations? Can you read the story with only the illustrations?

3. Would you have touched the cheese?

4. Predict Greg's future! Imagine what Greg will be like when he is 35. What kind of job will he have? Will he get married? What will he be like as a dad?

The Maze of Bones Discussion Questions

2009-01-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

After reading The Maze of Bones, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Would you have taken the million dollars or the clue?

2. Do you think that William McIntyre is a good or bad guy? Why?

3. Which team do you think has the best chance of winning? Why?

4. Are there any specific players you would want on your team? What qualities would you look for in team members?

For more fun, visit http://www.the39clues.com/ for your chance to solve the puzzle.

The Tale of Despereaux Discussion Questions

2009-01-03T06:30:00.001-08:00

After reading The Tale of Despereaux, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who was your favorite character and why?

2. Does Despereaux succeed in his quest to save the Princess? What is the outcome of his quest?

3. What do you think will happen next with the characters when the story is finished? Will Despereaux have other adventures? Does anything change in the dungeon?

4. What was unusual about Despereaux's appearance compared to other mice? Do you think that the author gave Despereaux these unusual traits for a reason?

Love That Dog Discussion Questions

2009-01-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

After reading Love That Dog, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Did you have a favorite poem in Love That Dog?

2. Love That Dog is written in journal form with poems. Why do you think the author chose to write it like this?

3. What makes Miss Stretchberry a good teacher? How does she teach?

4. Look at the poem My Yellow Dog on page 37. Would you have called this a poem?

The Lightning Thief Discussion Questions

2008-08-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

After reading The Lightning Thief, answer the following discussion questions:

1. What does Percy discover about the Greek gods at Camp Half Blood? What do they have to do with the camp?

2. What does Percy's fight with Echidna reveal about his character? What new things does he discover about himself?

3. When describing the effects of Mist, Chiron says, "Remarkable, really, the lengths humans will go to fit things into their version of reality." How is this true in the novel?

4. How does the last line of the prophecy - you shall fail to save what matters most in the end - come true? What do you think of this ending? Did Percy make the right choice?

5. The Lightning Thief will be released as a movie in November 2009. Who would you cast as Percy? How about Annabeth and Grover?

The Talented Clementine Discussion Questions

2008-08-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

After you have read The Talented Clementine, answer the following discussion questions:

1. The 3rd and 4th graders in Clementine's school are putting on a talent show. If you were participating in Talent-Palooza, Night of the Stars, what would be your act? What other talents do you have?

2. On page 78, Clementine's mom says buying the not very sensible purple "WOW" shoes is "one of the benefits of being a grown-up". What are some other benefits of being a grown-up? What are the benefits of being a child? Which do you think is better?

3. Clementine finally finds her talent with her attention to detail. Why does the audience applaud for Clementine, even though she wasn't in the show? Why was her role important?

4. Clementine felt that the Talent-Palooza was the luckiest day of her life. What was the luckiest day in your life?

The City of Ember Discussion Questions

2008-08-20T12:39:00.001-07:00

After reading The City of Ember, answer the following questions:

1. Children choose their careers at the age of 12. Lina is excited to be a messenger and Doon is excited to go down in the Pipeworks. What type of career in Ember would you like to have? Why?

2. Lina discovers her friend Lizzie is accepting food from Looper who has stolen it from the storerooms. Why does Lina turn down the gifts that Lizzie offers? What food would you miss the most if you lived in Ember?

3. The mayor of Ember seems to be very corrupt. He limits the freedom of the townspeople, yet the townspeople accept his behavior. Why do they act this way? What would you do in their situation?

4. The power outages in Ember keep occurring and are getting longer. How would you prepare for not having light? What would you do during the power outages?

5. The City of Ember is the first book in a four-book series. The second book is called The People of Sparks. Do you think that you will read it? Why or why not?

No Talking Discussion Questions

2008-08-14T08:34:00.001-07:00

After you have read No Talking, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who are the Unshushables? How do the teachers at Laketon Elementary feel about the Unshushables?

2. What happens when the fifth graders stop talking? How do Mrs. Marlow, Mrs. Akers, and Mr. Burton react to the contest?

3. When Mrs. Hiatt joins the contest she includes the entire school in the competition. Even though the book did not say, who do you think would have the hardest time with the contest? Do you think that any of the grades would do better than others?

4. Picking out words when talking is a good way to communicate with others. If you could only say three words today, which three would you pick out to use for the whole day?