I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. 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

   Chapter 1 begins in a dangerous moment during the fire. What details help you picture the scene, and how do they make you feel about Oscar's situation?

   Example answer: I can picture the fire because the author describes the heat, smoke, and people trying to escape. Those details make the scene feel scary and fast-moving. I felt worried for Oscar because he seems trapped in a disaster that is much bigger than he is. It made me want to keep reading to find out how he survives.

2. Chapter 2

   After the story goes back to explain Oscar's life before the fire, what do you learn about Oscar and his mother? How do those facts help you understand Oscar's worries?

3. Chapter 3

   Oscar has strong feelings about moving to Chicago. What does he expect the city to be like, and how do his expectations affect his choices?

4. Chapter 4

   When Oscar first meets new people in Chicago, who seems trustworthy or untrustworthy to you? Use evidence from the chapter to explain your thinking.

5. Chapter 5

   Choose an important word or phrase from this chapter that shows the mood of Chicago. What do you think it means, and why is it important?

6. Chapter 6

   Oscar faces a problem that makes him feel scared or alone. How does he respond, and what does this show about his character?

7. Chapter 7

   What prediction can you make about the trouble building in Chicago? What clues from this chapter support your prediction?

8. Chapter 8

   In this chapter, Oscar learns more about Jennie and Bruno. How are they different from what he first thought, and why does that matter?

   Example answer: At first, I think Oscar is not sure if he can trust Jennie and Bruno. As he learns more about them, he sees that they are brave, smart, and trying to survive too. This matters because Oscar needs help, and he has to look past his first opinions. It shows that people can surprise you when you get to know them.

9. Chapter 9

   The fire begins to change everything. What causes the danger to grow, and how do the characters react?

10. Chapter 10

    Which choice made by Oscar or another character in this chapter do you think is most important? Explain whether you agree with the choice.

11. Chapter 11

    How does the author show that the fire is powerful and frightening? Describe two details that stand out to you.

12. Chapter 12

    Oscar must decide whom to trust while trying to survive. What does he learn about trust in this chapter?

13. Chapter 13

    What theme, or lesson, about courage appears in this chapter? Use an example from Oscar's actions to support your idea.

14. Chapter 14

    By this point, Chicago and the characters have changed a lot. What is one important change you notice, and why is it meaningful?

15. Chapter 15

    At the end of the book, what do you think Oscar has learned from surviving the Great Chicago Fire? How might his future be different?

    Example answer: I think Oscar learns that he is stronger than he believed. He also learns that family and friends can be found in unexpected places. After surviving the fire, he might be braver about facing changes in his life. I think he will remember what happened, but he will also have hope for a new beginning.