Ragweed

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 31 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: What do you learn about Ragweed and the place he lives? How does the first chapter show that he wants something different from ordinary life?
2. Chapter 2: How do Ragweed’s actions show that he is adventurous? Use one detail from the chapter to explain your thinking.
3. Chapter 3: What is hard or dangerous about Ragweed’s trip away from home? How does he handle the problem?
4. Chapter 4: Ragweed is entering a new world. What do you predict will be the biggest challenge for him, and why?
5. Chapter 5: How is Amperville different from the country place Ragweed came from? Describe two differences that stand out to you.
6. Chapter 6: What does Ragweed learn from one of the first city animals he meets? How might that lesson help him survive?
7. Chapter 7: Would you trust the new characters Ragweed meets in this chapter? Why or why not?
8. Chapter 8: What rules, habits, or ideas do the city mice seem to live by? How are they different from Ragweed’s way of thinking?
9. Chapter 9: Independence is important in this story. In this chapter, how does being independent help Ragweed, and how might it also cause problems?
10. Chapter 10: Choose one word or phrase the author uses to describe the cats or the city. What feeling does that word or phrase create for you?
11. Chapter 11: What is F.E.A.R., and why is it a serious threat to the mice? Explain in your own words.
12. Chapter 12: What kind of leader is Silversides? Use evidence from the chapter to describe his personality.
13. Chapter 13: If you were one of the mice, what plan would you suggest to stay safe from the cats? Explain why your plan might work.
14. Chapter 14: How do music, movement, or city life help bring the mice together in this chapter?
15. Chapter 15: How has Ragweed changed since the beginning of the book? Give one example of something he does or thinks differently now.
16. Chapter 16: Do you think Ragweed is brave, reckless, or a little of both? Explain your opinion with details from the chapter.
17. Chapter 17: Pick an important word from this chapter, such as fear, enemy, or independent. What does the word mean in the story, and why is it important?
18. Chapter 18: What new problem makes the conflict between the mice and cats more serious? How do the characters react?
19. Chapter 19: What does this chapter show about teamwork? Describe how two or more characters work together.
20. Chapter 20: Based on what has happened so far, what do you predict the cats will try next? What clues make you think that?
21. Chapter 21: Which of Ragweed’s friends helps the most in this chapter? Explain what that character does and why it matters.
22. Chapter 22: How do the mice find out important information in this chapter? Why is information powerful in their situation?
23. Chapter 23: If you were Ragweed, what risk would you be willing to take? What risk would you refuse to take? Explain your choices.
24. Chapter 24: Find a description or action scene in this chapter that feels exciting. What words or details make it exciting?
25. Chapter 25: What happens when the plans of the mice and the cats come together? Describe the main events and their results.
26. Chapter 26: How does Ragweed act when he is scared or under pressure? What does this show about his character?
27. Chapter 27: What message does this chapter give about standing up to bullies or unfair enemies?
28. Chapter 28: Before the story ends, what do you think Ragweed will choose to do next: stay in the city, go home, or try something else? Explain your prediction.
29. Chapter 29: How does the struggle between the mice and cats change things in Amperville? What is different after this chapter?
30. Chapter 30: Which relationship or friendship has mattered most to Ragweed so far? Explain how that relationship has affected him.
31. Chapter 31: What has Ragweed learned by the end of the book? How could that lesson connect to your own life?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 5: How is Amperville different from the country place Ragweed came from? Describe two differences that stand out to you.

I think Amperville feels much louder and busier than Ragweed’s home in the country. In the country, life seems more natural and familiar, but the city has trains, streets, buildings, and many new dangers. Another difference is that Ragweed has to learn city rules quickly because he does not know who to trust. These differences make the city exciting but also risky for him.

Chapter 16: Do you think Ragweed is brave, reckless, or a little of both? Explain your opinion with details from the chapter.

I think Ragweed is a little of both brave and reckless. He is brave because he does not give up when things become dangerous, and he tries to help instead of hiding. But he can also be reckless because he sometimes jumps into a situation before thinking about what might happen. That makes him an interesting character because his courage is real, but he still has lessons to learn.

Chapter 31: What has Ragweed learned by the end of the book? How could that lesson connect to your own life?

By the end of the book, I think Ragweed has learned that adventure is exciting, but friends and courage are what really help you face problems. He also learns that being independent does not mean doing everything alone. This connects to my life because I like trying new things, but I still need help from my family, friends, and teachers. Ragweed’s story reminds me that asking for help can be part of being brave.