The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Chapters 1-4

Well, we've just begun reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo. Honestly, this is one of my favorite books, and I'm excited that it was chosen for Battle of the Books this year. Here are some questions for you to think about as you read. I would love to hear your opinions!

Chapters 1-2

• The word “miraculous” means “like a miracle.” Why do you think the author would use this word to describe Edward's journey?
• How does Abilene feel about Edward? What clues tell you this? How does she treat him?
• What kind of family does Abilene come from? What clues tell you this?
• The word “ego” means “pride.” What bothered Edward most about his encounter with Rosie? Would you have felt the same way? What does this tell you about Edward?
• If you were in Edward's position, how would you feel when Abilene found you? Is this how Edward reacts?
• Do you think Abilene knows how Edward feels? If she did, would she treat him the same way?

Chapters 3-4

• Why do you think Pellegrina wants Edward to hear the story?
• If you had to compare the princess to another character in the book, who would it be? Why?
• The witch could have done anything to the princess. Why do you think she chose to turn her into a warthog?
• Do you think what happened to the princess was fair? Defend your point of view. If you didn't like the ending, how would you have changed it?
• Who do you think Pellegrina's story was really for and why? Did that listener understand the point of the story? What do you think will happen?
• The words Edward repeats to himself were part of the story. Who did they refer to in the story, and why do you think Edward likes them so much? Is this more proof that he didn't understand the story?

The Missing Mummy - Quizzes

Do you think you know everything there is to know about The Missing Mummy? Take these quizzes to find out!

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapters 4-5

The Missing Mummy - Chapters 4-10

Well, if you're reading this, it means you have finished reading the first book for Battle of the Books this year. I think you'll agree that even though The Missing Mummy was pretty easy to read, it was still interesting. This was a good warm-up for us, because the books will only get longer and harder from here on out. Now that you have finished, take a minute to think about the book and answer these questions.

• If you had to describe each of the main characters using only one word, which word would best tell about Dink? How about Josh? Ruth Rose?
• Did it surprise you when the thieves returned to steal the gold from the museum?
• Did you figure out what the white stripe around one thief's legs was before the book actually told you?
• As you were reading, where did you think the thieves hid the gold? Was your guess right?
• Did you think that the smell Josh noticed was important? Did the smell help the kids solve the mystery?
• Why was the pebble that Josh found in chapter 8 important?
• Were you surprised at who turned out to be the main thief?
• In your opinion, which was the most important clue, the smell, the stripe, the pebble, or Dink's dream? Why do you think so?

The Missing Mummy - Chapters 1-3

Up to this point, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose's visit to the museum hasn't been what they expected. First, Mummy Monday had to be canceled when someone stole the child mummy from the exhibit. Then, Ruth Rose found the missing mummy in the ladies' restroom. Now, the kids have locked themselves in the exhibit by accident. Think about the following questions and post your comments below.

• What do you think will happen next?
• Why do you think the mummy was stolen in the first place?
• Do you think the criminal is a stranger or someone we have already read about? Why?
• Do you agree with Dink that the woman who came out of the restroom was the mummy thief in disguise? If so, will we see her again?
• Why do you think the thief didn't steal the gold and jewelry from the exhibit?

The 39 Clues - The Maze of Bones (Chapter 10)

Well, we're deep into the book now, traveling with Dan and Amy as they search for the 39 clues that will make them the most powerful, influential people on earth. They've already been in a fire and an explosion as their own family members try to eliminate them and discover the clues first. Now they're on their way to Paris as they follow the life of Benjamin Franklin. In chapter 10, Alistair Oh has an encounter at the Paris airport with Ian and Natalie Kabra. They want the copy of Poor Richard's Almanack that Alistair is carrying. The big question is, how did they find out that Alistair has it? Also, Alistair says that he understands the true meaning of the first clue: Richard S-'s RESOLUTION. What do you think that means? Did Amy and Dan miss something? Who do you think the man is that punches Alistair Oh in the face at the end of the chapter? And what about the mysterious man in the black suit that appeared as the Cahill mansion burned and then again at the Franklin Institute when the explosion injured the Starling triplets? Is he good or bad? What makes you think so?