Thursday, September 2, 2010

Lawn Boy Discussion Questions

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

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

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

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:
  1. Beezus and Ramona
  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

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Toys Go Out Discussion Questions


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


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


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?