Penny & Friends
The Class Trip
Billy's Challenges
Penny's Worries
Think Like a Reader
100

Who is Penny's buddy on the class trip?

Violet Vance.

100

Where does Penny's class go for their class trip?

New York City.

100

Who is Billy J. Plumberry?

He is the famous author connected to Penny's school who hosts the students' Weekend of Creativity.

100

What is Penny afraid might happen with the pianos in New York City?

She worries that a piano could fall from a building and hit her.

100

What is one major problem Penny faces during the trip?

Her friendship with Violet is uncertain, and Penny is trying to understand what is bothering Violet.

200

Why is Penny surprised when she finds out Violet is her buddy?

Penny and Violet used to be best friends, but they are no longer friends. 

200

What famous bridge do Penny and the others walk across?

The Brooklyn Bridge.

200

What does Billy promise BJP Elementary if the students try their best in the workshops?

A new school library.

200

What is Penny worried might happen with the bike messengers?

She worries that an aggressive bike messenger might run her over.

200

Why does Riley's behavior cause problems for the group?

Riley tries to take control and does not always listen to the other students.

300

Why does Violet become quiet when the bus arrives in New York City?

Violet is feeling anxious and is bothered by something she doesn't want to talk about.

300

What famous author invites Penny's class to New York City?

Billy J. Plumberry.

300

Who begins taking a leadership role but has trouble listening to the others?

Riley.

300

What does Penny use to express some of the things she worries about?

She uses drawings and doodles.

300

How does the author's choice to tell the story through Penny's letters to Cosmo help the reader understand Penny?

The letters allow Penny to share her private thoughts, feelings, and worries directly with Cosmo and the reader.

400

Why does Penny feel responsible when Violet goes missing at the museum?

Penny feels responsible because she is Violet's buddy and believes she should have been looking out for her.

400

Why does Billy bring the schools to the Museum of Natural History on their last night in New York?

Billy brings the schools to the Museum of Natural History for his final challenge.


400

Who believes Billy has secretly created a competition between the two schools?

Riley thinks Billy has secretly created a competition between the two schools.

400

How does Penny's worrying turn out to be helpful?

Her worrying makes her thoughtful and sensitive to other people's feelings.

400

How does Penny's view of herself as a leader change?

At first Penny thinks her worrying means she would not be a good leader, but Billy helps her see that her thoughtfulness and sensitivity can make her a good leader.

500

What helps Penny remain calm when she and Violet are left alone in the museum?

Penny uses what she has learned to help herself remain calm.


500

Why is the class trip important to Penny beyond simply visiting New York City?

The trip gives Penny opportunities to face her worries, work with others, and improve her friendship with Violet.

500

What is Billy's last challenge for the two schools?

Billy's last challenge is for the two schools to work together to complete the final project.


500

How does Penny change in the way she handles her worries during the trip?

Penny learns that she can face her worries instead of letting them control what she does.


500

What is one important lesson Penny learns in the story? Use an event from the book to support your answer.

Penny learns that her worries do not have to control her. For example, she faces difficult situations during the trip and learns ways to manage her feelings.