Comprehension #1
On Chapter 11 Ben insists that that the spadefoot toads can be saved, how do you know that Mrs. Tibbets doesn't agree with him?
Mrs. Tibbets says that stopping Tabitha from selling the land "would be like starting a war."
How do you know Ben is excited about the chance that the spadefoot toads may be saved?
Someone calls Ben back, from the Massachuttes Endangered Species Program, to tell him that he will come to see the vernal pool.
Should Ben have gone to Ryan's party?
No, because he lied to his parents about going to the Library and he didn't finish his project.
What does Mrs. Turner decide to do with her land?
she decided to sell most of the land to the local land trust in order to save the vernal pool forever and sell a small part to build homes
What does inherited mean?
b) to receive something from a family member
What does Ben do after he learns that Mrs. Tibbets doesn't want to stop Tabitha from selling the land?
He decides to send an email to the Massachuttes Endangered Species Program to ask for help.
How does Ben feel when his father says, "Ben, you've never lied to us before"?
He feels disappointed
Why doesn't the box from Tuscon seem so important to Ben now?
Because he's adjusting to life in Massachusetts
Why does Mrs. Tibbets use the term "new neighboors" at the end of the chapter, after walking back from the vernal pool with Ben?
She uses the term to refer to the escaped rattlesnake they saw on their way back from the vernal pool.
What does sinister mean?
a) bad, evil or wicked
Why does Mr. Nickelby call Ben and his parents to his office?
To know the truth about the snakes
How does Ben defend himself from lying to his parents about the snakes?
Ben tells his father that he didn't lie, but he didn't tell the whole truth either.
How do you know Ben is not very interested in his box of desert souvenirs from Tuscon?
because now he's more interested in saving the spadefoot toads
What does Ben feels about his new home in Massachusetts at the end of chapter 18?
Ben tells Tibbets that he feels right at home
What does gestures mean?
b) the use of such movements to express a thought, emotion, etc.
Why are Ben's parents' surprise/disappointed about the meeting with Mr. Nickelby?
Because they found out that Ben lied to them about the snakes and that he was responsible for letting them go.
What happens on the bus? (be specific)
Ben says that Ryan is his friend, he defends Ryan and stands up to Frankie when he makes fun of Ryan.
What does Ben mean when he says, "he feels his feet connect with the ground like he's part of it"
Ben is connecting with the woods like he did with the desert and feels like he belongs now.
How does Ben's feelings change from the beginning of the novel?
What does pleading mean?
b) to implore to beg for something
After his meeting with Mr. Nickleby, why is Ben worried about Mrs. Tibbets?
He's concerned that Mrs. Tibbets will get in trouble even though he was responsible for letting out the snakes.
When did Ben change his mind about going to Ryan's party?
after his sister told him that he and Jenny were the only people invited
What does Ben do to help Mrs. Turner change her mind about selling the land?
He recreates the picture she took with her brother on top of the big rock with Jenny & Ryan & the overtoad and shows her his report
What possible theme could be based on this novel?
Home is wherever you are
Don't ever give up on what you believe
Give new people/new places a chance
what does clenches mean?
c) to grasp firmly; grip.