Reading list assignment: Suggested Questions

For use with fiction: historical fiction, realistic fiction, mysteries, science fiction, fantasies, and drama:

1. Describe how the main character felt at the end of the book.
2. How had his/her feelings changed since the beginning of the book?
3. What was the biggest problem or challenge the main character faced and how was it solved?
4. What was the first event that happened in your book that made you want to read on?
5. If you were in the situation of the main character, what would you have done?
6. Choose a scene from the book and describe how you pictured it in your mind. How does the author help you?

For use with poetry, short stories, folktales, and legends:

1. What feelings did the reading cause you to experience? Name three examples and describe why you felt that way.
2. Was there a common theme (friendship, loneliness, nature, dogs, etc.) to the book? Describe it.
3. What part of the book did you like best? Why?
4. What connections to your life or other reading materials can you make with this book?
5. What powerful words did the author use?
6. Why do you think the author wrote this book?

For use with expository (nonfiction):

1. What was the main thing you learned from this book?
2. What did you already know about the subject before reading this book?
3. How can you use this reading to help you in your life?
4. What connections to your life or other reading materials can you make with this book?
5. What do you think was the most important part of the book? Why?
6. How did the author organize the reading to make the information easy to use?

I understand my child's responsibility and my role in the reading list assignment.

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I would like more information on this assignment, and I can be reached at

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