Bad Guys Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Bad Guys questions by chapter

We don’t know this book well enough to ask about its story, so these are open-ended prompts that get a reader thinking about the chapter they just finished: what happened, who changed, what they would do. One question per chapter, across all 20 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   So far, what does Mr. Wolf want others to understand about him, and what details show this?

2. Chapter 2

   Based on what you have read, what might make it hard for Mr. Wolf to convince others that he can be a good guy?

   Example answer: I think Mr. Wolf will have trouble because people already expect a wolf to be dangerous. He wants them to see him as a good guy, but saying that might not be enough. I predict he will need to do something helpful to earn their trust. His actions could be stronger proof than his words.

3. Chapter 3

   How does Mr. Wolf's way of speaking show his personality in the pages you have read?

4. Chapter 4

   What has the story suggested so far about judging animals by their looks or reputations?

5. Chapter 5

   Choose a word from the chapter you just read that helps make the story funny. What do you think it means, and how does it add humor?

6. Chapter 6

   Which part of the chapter you just read was funniest to you, and why did it work?

7. Chapter 7

   What have you learned so far about the difference between being called a bad guy and acting like one?

   Example answer: I have learned that a label does not tell the whole story about someone. Mr. Wolf is trying to show that he can be good, even though wolves have a scary reputation. I think acting like a bad guy means making choices that hurt others. Being called one does not prove that those are the choices you will make.

8. Chapter 8

   What choice might Mr. Wolf face next as he tries to be seen differently? Use a clue from your reading to explain your prediction.

9. Chapter 9

   Among the characters you have met so far, who seems most sure of himself? Explain using something he says or does.

10. Chapter 10

    Where does the chapter you just read take place, and how does that place affect what Mr. Wolf or another animal can do?

11. Chapter 11

    Find a word or phrase in the chapter that shows a character's feelings. What clues help you understand those feelings?

12. Chapter 12

    Would you trust Mr. Wolf based on what you have read so far? Explain what has shaped your opinion.

    Example answer: I would give Mr. Wolf a chance, but I would still pay attention to his choices. He wants others to believe he can be a good guy, and I think that is a hopeful goal. I would not decide he was bad just because he was a wolf. Still, I would want his actions to match what he says.

13. Chapter 13

    How does Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, or Mr. Piranha respond to a problem in your reading so far? Choose a character you have already met and explain his response.

14. Chapter 14

    What do you predict other characters will think of Mr. Wolf's wish to be a good guy? Support your idea with a detail you have read.

15. Chapter 15

    What has Mr. Wolf's behavior shown so far about what it takes to be a hero?

16. Chapter 16

    Choose a describing word from your latest chapter. How would replacing it with a different word change the way you picture an animal or a place?

17. Chapter 17

    Which character you have met would you most want on your team for a helpful mission, and what makes him a good choice?

18. Chapter 18

    What difference have you noticed between what Mr. Wolf says about himself and how others see him? Explain with details from your reading so far.

19. Chapter 19

    What lesson about giving someone a chance could a reader take from the story so far?

20. Chapter 20

    If you could give Mr. Wolf one piece of advice at this point in the story, what would it be, and why?