Red kayak

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 26 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: Brady hints that something serious has happened. What mood does the first chapter create, and what details help create that feeling?
2. Chapter 2: What do you learn about Brady's life on the river and his family? How does the setting seem important to the story?
3. Chapter 3: How does Brady feel about the DiAngelo family moving into the area? Why might changes in his neighborhood bother him and his friends?
4. Chapter 4: Compare Brady, J.T., and Digger as friends. What makes their friendship strong, and what problems do you notice?
5. Chapter 5: What clues show that the river and the weather can be dangerous? What do you predict might happen because of these clues?
6. Chapter 6: Why does Brady decide to help search for Mrs. DiAngelo and Ben? What does his choice show about his character?
7. Chapter 7: Describe Brady's rescue efforts. Which details make this part of the story feel tense or frightening?
8. Chapter 8: How do the adults and neighbors respond after Ben is found? What do their actions show about the community?
9. Chapter 9: Brady uses skills he has learned to try to help Ben. Why is it important for people to be prepared in an emergency?
10. Chapter 10: After hearing the news from the hospital, how does Brady react? What questions or feelings does he struggle with?
11. Chapter 11: How do J.T. and Digger act after the accident? What makes Brady feel confused or suspicious about them?
12. Chapter 12: The red kayak is more than just a boat in this story. What do you think it symbolizes so far, and why?
13. Chapter 13: Digger has a lot of anger about his family and the DiAngelos. How does his anger affect the choices he makes?
14. Chapter 14: Brady begins to put clues together about what happened to the kayak. What evidence seems important, and why?
15. Chapter 15: What would you do if you suspected your friends had done something wrong but you did not know the whole truth? Explain your thinking.
16. Chapter 16: How does Brady's relationship with his parents help him or put pressure on him during this part of the story?
17. Chapter 17: How does guilt change Brady's friendship with J.T. and Digger? Use details from the chapter in your answer.
18. Chapter 18: Choose one strong word or phrase from this chapter that describes the river, the weather, or Brady's emotions. What does it mean, and why is it effective?
19. Chapter 19: Why is telling the truth so difficult for Brady? What are the risks of staying silent?
20. Chapter 20: What do you predict will happen when adults or the law learn more about what happened to the kayak? Why?
21. Chapter 21: Brady shows courage in a different way than he did during the river rescue. How does he show courage in this chapter?
22. Chapter 22: What does the court or legal process teach Brady about choices and consequences?
23. Chapter 23: How do different characters begin to heal, or fail to heal, after the truth comes out?
24. Chapter 24: What lesson does the novel teach about loyalty? Is being loyal to friends always the same as protecting them?
25. Chapter 25: How has Brady changed from the first chapter to this point? Give examples from the story.
26. Chapter 26: What is your opinion of the ending? Did it feel fair, hopeful, sad, or something else? Explain your answer.

Example answers

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

Chapter 6: Why does Brady decide to help search for Mrs. DiAngelo and Ben? What does his choice show about his character?

I think Brady helps because he knows the river well and understands that every minute matters. He does not just wait for adults to solve the problem. This shows that Brady is brave and responsible, even though he is still young. It also shows that he cares about people, even if he does not know them very well.

Chapter 15: What would you do if you suspected your friends had done something wrong but you did not know the whole truth? Explain your thinking.

I would probably feel scared and confused, just like Brady does. I would not want to get my friends in trouble if I was wrong, but I also would not want to hide something serious. I think I would talk to a trusted adult and explain what I knew and what I was unsure about. That would be hard, but it would be better than keeping a dangerous secret.

Chapter 24: What lesson does the novel teach about loyalty? Is being loyal to friends always the same as protecting them?

The novel shows that loyalty is not just keeping your friends' secrets no matter what. Real loyalty can mean helping friends face the truth, even when it is painful. If someone has done something that hurt another person, protecting them from consequences may only make things worse. I think Brady learns that doing the right thing can matter more than staying popular with friends.