Understanding Characters
They go to the storm cellar.
What is a twister?
A tornado; a spinning column of wind and dirt that touches the ground during a thunderstorm.
Why would Link (the father) go into a ditch?
To shelter from the tornado while he's outside.
Why do you think the dog was shaking when they found him?
He was probably scared of being picked up by the tornado.
Why is the mother worried about her husband?
He is still out in the cornfield when the tornado starts. (under the funnel cloud)
What happens to Pete's family's kitchen?
How do they feel?
The tornado tore it off.
They are surprised they are alive.
What does encouragement mean?
Nice things that are said or done to try to get someone to do something.
Why do you think Pete starts telling stories?
To distract the children from the tornado and make time pass faster.
Why did Pete's mom tell him not to put his hands in the doghouse?
They didn't know if the dog would bite because he was scared. Or they didn't know if the dog was friendly.
What does Pete's dad say about the roof?
What trick can Tornado do?
What card is it?
He takes a card from the deck.
The three of hearts.
What does command mean?
The tornado must have picked them up and then dropped them into Pete's yard.
The dog shakes hands with Pete's father.
How does Tornado act when Pete asks him if he wants to play cards?
Tornado pokes Pete's leg, and his ears move forward as if he were interested.
They found Tornado shaking in a doghouse in their yard after a tornado.
What does hesitate mean?
To pause or stop briefly when unsure about something.
What does Pete's mom think happened to the turtle?
She talks to Tornado and tells him to give her the turtle.
Who is Emma Lou?
Why does she get upset?
Pete's sister
Her friend's turtle, which she is taking care of, was lost, no longer in the bowl she left it in.
Where did they find the turtle? How did Tornado react?
They found the turtle in Tornado's mouth. Tornado was happy to drop the turtle and ran around the yard.
What does innocent mean?
Not guilty; having done nothing wrong.
How did Pete get Tornado to drop the turtle?
He commands him to drop it using his father's voice.
Torndao doesn't understand Emma Lou like he does Pete and his father. Or Emma doesn't say the words like a command.