Little House on the Prairie Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
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Little House on the Prairie has 26 chapters · 309 pages
Book 2 of the Little House series
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Inside the journal: 26 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Chapter by chapter Each question is about its own chapter.
In Chapter 1, why do Pa and Ma decide to leave the Big Woods, and how does Laura seem to feel about traveling west in the covered wagon?See all 26 questions ↓
About the book
When Laura Ingalls and her family leave their little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin, they head west for the open prairie skies of Kansas Territory. They travel for many days in their covered wagon until they find the perfect spot for Pa to build them a new home. Soon they are planting and plowing, hunting wild ducks and turkeys, and gathering grass for their cows. But just when they begin to feel settled, they are caught in the middle of a dangerous conflict.
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Little House on the Prairie 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 26 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.
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Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, why do Pa and Ma decide to leave the Big Woods, and how does Laura seem to feel about traveling west in the covered wagon?
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Chapter 2
In Chapter 2, what makes crossing the creek dangerous for the Ingalls family, and how do they work together to get through it?
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Chapter 3
In Chapter 3, how does Laura describe the high prairie when the family first camps there, and what mood do those details create?
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Chapter 4
In Chapter 4, what does Laura notice during her first full day on the prairie, and how do the sights, sounds, and smells help you imagine the setting?
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Chapter 5
In Chapter 5, what challenges do Pa and Mr. Edwards face while building the house, and what does their work show about frontier life?
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Chapter 6
In Chapter 6, how does moving into the new house change life for the Ingalls family, even though the house is not completely finished?
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Chapter 7
In Chapter 7, how does the wolf-pack scene create suspense, and what does Pa do that helps the family feel safer?
Example answer: The wolf-pack scene creates suspense because the wolves are close to the house, and Laura can tell they are dangerous. I felt nervous because the family is far away from other people and cannot just ask for help. Pa helps them feel safer by staying calm and using his gun to protect the family. His actions show that he is brave, but the prairie can still be scary.
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Chapter 8
In Chapter 8, why are the two stout doors important to the family, and what do they show about the difference between camping and making a home?
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Chapter 9
In Chapter 9, how does having a fire on the hearth change the Ingalls family's daily life, and why might it feel comforting to them?
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Chapter 10
In Chapter 10, what hard work goes into finishing the roof and floor, and what does this chapter show about patience and perseverance?
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Chapter 11
In Chapter 11, how do Ma, Mary, and Laura react when Native men come into the house while Pa is away, and what can you learn from their different reactions?
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Chapter 12
In Chapter 12, what danger happens while Pa and Mr. Scott are digging the well, and how does this chapter show the importance of caution and teamwork?
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Chapter 13
In Chapter 13, how does the arrival of the Texas longhorns and cowboys make the prairie feel larger and busier than before?
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Chapter 14
In Chapter 14, what does Laura notice at the Native camp, and what questions does this chapter raise about the people who live on or travel through the prairie?
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Chapter 15
In Chapter 15, how does fever 'n' ague affect the Ingalls family, and who helps them when they are too sick to help themselves?
Example answer: Fever 'n' ague makes the whole family weak and helpless. This part surprised me because Ma and Pa are usually the ones taking care of everything, but now they cannot do their regular work. Other people have to help them, including the doctor. This chapter shows that even strong families need neighbors and kindness sometimes.
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Chapter 16
In Chapter 16, what happens when the chimney catches fire, and how do Ma's actions show courage and quick thinking?
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Chapter 17
In Chapter 17, why is Pa's trip to town important for the family, and how does waiting for him affect Ma, Mary, and Laura?
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Chapter 18
In Chapter 18, how does the visit from the tall Native man create uncertainty, and what does Pa's response tell you about him?
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Chapter 19
In Chapter 19, why do the Christmas gifts feel so special to Laura and Mary, and what does Mr. Edwards's story add to the holiday?
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Chapter 20
In Chapter 20, how do the sounds in the night affect Laura and the rest of the family, and how does the author make the scene feel frightening?
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Chapter 21
In Chapter 21, how do the drumming and gathering nearby affect the settlers, and what does the chapter show about fear, curiosity, and misunderstanding?
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Chapter 22
In Chapter 22, what steps do Pa and Ma take to fight the prairie fire, and what does this emergency reveal about their partnership?
Example answer: Pa and Ma work very quickly when the prairie fire comes near. They do not waste time arguing, and they each do what needs to be done to protect the house and family. I think this shows that they trust each other. Their partnership is important because surviving on the prairie takes teamwork, not just one person's bravery.
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Chapter 23
In Chapter 23, how do the Ingalls family members handle the frightening cries they hear, and what does this show about courage during a crisis?
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Chapter 24
In Chapter 24, how does Laura react as the Native people ride away, and what does her reaction reveal about her curiosity and limited understanding?
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Chapter 25
In Chapter 25, how does the news from the soldiers change the family's plans, and what does it suggest about land, rules, and fairness?
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Chapter 26
In Chapter 26, what feelings does the family seem to have as they leave the little house, and which memories from their time on the prairie seem most important?
Discussion questions for after Little House on the Prairie
Bigger questions for when the book is finished, each printed on its own ruled page at the end of the booklet.
- Across the whole book, how does Laura's understanding of prairie life change? Think about what she learns about work, danger, family, neighbors, and the land around her.
- What do you think Little House on the Prairie is really about besides one family's move west? In your answer, include the book's ideas about home, courage, hardship, and how different groups of people see the same land.
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How to use this Little House on the Prairie reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 26 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for Little House on the Prairie. Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Each question is about its own 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. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.