Claudia and Mean Janine Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Claudia and Mean Janine questions by chapter

We know the book, its characters, setting and story, but not what happens in each chapter. So every question is written for this book, and any of them works wherever your reader has just stopped. One question per chapter, across all 15 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

   What has mattered most to Claudia in your reading so far: family, friends, school, or something else? Explain your choice using a detail from the story.

2. Chapter 2

   How would you describe the differences between Claudia and Janine based on what you have read? Explain how one difference might affect their relationship.

   Example answer: I think Claudia and Janine have different strengths. Claudia is creative and interested in art, while Janine is very strong at schoolwork. I can see how Claudia might feel frustrated if people compare them. I think they would get along better if each sister's talents were appreciated.

3. Chapter 3

   What have you learned so far about Mimi's place in Claudia's family? Choose a detail that shows why she matters.

4. Chapter 4

   Based on your reading so far, what do you predict Claudia will find hardest about balancing family responsibilities and the Baby-sitters Club? Explain what makes you think so.

5. Chapter 5

   Which place in the story, such as the Kishi home or a Baby-sitters Club meeting place, helps you understand Claudia's life? Describe what that place shows you.

6. Chapter 6

   Choose a word or phrase from your latest chapter that helps describe a character's feelings. What do you think it means, and which nearby details helped you figure it out?

7. Chapter 7

   When Claudia describes Janine, how might her feelings affect the way she tells the story? Use something you have read so far to explain.

8. Chapter 8

   If Claudia and Janine disagree again, what could help them understand each other better? Make a prediction based on their behavior so far.

   Example answer: I predict that listening without interrupting could help Claudia and Janine. So far, Claudia's frustration makes it hard for her to see things from Janine's side. I think each sister needs to explain her feelings instead of expecting the other one to guess. They might still disagree, but they could understand why the other person is upset.

9. Chapter 9

   What does your reading so far suggest about the difference between being good at schoolwork and being good at other things? Connect your answer to Claudia or Janine.

10. Chapter 10

    How do Claudia's friends in the Baby-sitters Club fit into her life so far? Explain what her friendships show about her needs or interests.

11. Chapter 11

    Which responsibility or problem seems most important to Claudia at this point? Explain how it affects her choices or feelings.

12. Chapter 12

    Would you want Claudia as a friend, based on what you have read so far? Support your opinion with a character trait and a detail from the story.

    Example answer: I would want Claudia as a friend because she is creative. Her interest in art makes me think she would have fun ideas for things we could do together. I also like that she belongs to a club where the members share an interest in babysitting. I would not expect her to be perfect, because everyone gets frustrated sometimes.

13. Chapter 13

    Consider a moment in your latest chapter when someone speaks or acts in a way that stands out. What might that person be feeling underneath, and what clues support your idea?

14. Chapter 14

    What question would you ask Mimi, Claudia, or Janine about something you have read so far? Explain why you want to know the answer.

15. Chapter 15

    Looking back over your reading so far, what message about caring for others is beginning to emerge? Explain how Claudia's family life or babysitting connects to that message.