Prediction #1
What do you think will happen next in the story?
I think Maddie will open the door and get a surprise party.
Can you describe Tam in a sentence or two?
Tam cares about plants and like to rescue things.
Where does this story take place?
The story take place at an arcade.
Which characters' minds can the reader "see" into?
The reader can see into Lia's, Tia's and Pia's minds.
What is the theme of this story?
- Friends should share burgers.
- Fancy isn't always better.
The theme is: Fancy isn't always better.
Do you think Maddie will still consider this the worst birthday ever? Why?
No, I think Maddie will consider it a great day because she has a party.
Tam thinks plants shouldn't be thrown out. Mrs. Simon thinks it's okay to throw out plants.
Does this story take place long ago or in current times? How do you know?
It takes place in a current times because it has games and flashing lights.
What point of view is the story told in?
- first person
- third-person limited
- third-person omniscient
- third-person omniscient
What lesson do you think Theo learns?
Theo learns that sometimes simple is best.
Why doesn't her mom say "Happy Birthday" to Maddie?
Maddie's mom wants her to think that she forgot her birthday.
Is the plant healthy or not? How do you know?
The plant is not healthy. The story says, " It was crooked and yellowish, with just a few little leaves."
Personification is when an object behaves like a person. Can you find an example in the story?
- An example of personification is, "The machine spit out a long strip of tickets."
What does Lia want to do for their birthday?
- Lia wants to spend the day an an amusement park.
A hyperbole is an exaggeration, such as, "This book weighs a ton." Can you find one in the story?
"When the Extreme Burger arrived, it was as big as a spaceship," is a hyperbole.
What do you think jubilant means?
- thrilled
- tired
- fearful
- thrilled
What do you think the phrase a green thumb means?
- very ill
- good with plants
- good at art
- "good with plants"
What do you think ambled means?
- ran
- walked
- flew
- "walked"
What do you think loathed means?
- loved
- hated
- agreed with
- hated
What do you think ghastly means?
- delicious
- spooky
- horrible
- horrible
How does the story end? Complete it.
Answer must be relevant to the story.
What do you think will happen to the plant in its new home? Why?
I think the plant might become healthier, because Tam and her mom will care for it. (Other answers possible.)
What does the story's title mean? Explain it.
Omar got a high score, but the prize was a little thing, like a comb or an eraser.
Which of the triplet's birthday ideas would you choose? Why?
Answers will vary
Can you think of another example in which the fanciest choice isn't the best choice?
Answers will vary.