Stepping on the cracks Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Stepping on the cracks 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

   How does the first chapter show what life is like for Margaret and her family during World War II? Use details from the chapter in your answer.

2. Chapter 2

   What do Margaret and Elizabeth think about Gordy at this point in the story, and what has he done to make them feel that way?

3. Chapter 3

   The characters talk a lot about being brave or being a coward. What do those words seem to mean to Margaret in this chapter?

   Example answer: I think Margaret believes being brave means fighting in the war and not being afraid. To her, a coward is someone who runs away or will not do what everyone expects. She is still seeing things in a simple way because she has not learned everyone's reasons yet. Later, I think she will have to think harder about what real courage means.

4. Chapter 4

   Do you think Margaret and Elizabeth make good choices when they deal with Gordy in this chapter? Explain your opinion with reasons.

5. Chapter 5

   What do you learn about Gordy's home life, and how does it help you understand him better?

6. Chapter 6

   Margaret notices that something unusual may be going on. What clues does the author give, and what do you predict they might mean?

7. Chapter 7

   How does Margaret react when she learns more about Gordy's secret? What does her reaction show about her character?

8. Chapter 8

   If you were Margaret, would you tell an adult about what she and Elizabeth have discovered? Why or why not?

   Example answer: If I were Margaret, I would want to tell an adult because the secret is too big for kids to handle alone. I would be scared that someone could get hurt or that we could make the problem worse. At the same time, I understand why Margaret might stay quiet if she feels sorry for Gordy and Stuart. I think I would try to find a kind adult I could trust.

9. Chapter 9

   How does Stuart's situation make the idea of courage more complicated than Margaret first thought?

10. Chapter 10

    In this chapter, how does Margaret's view of Gordy begin to change? What causes that change?

11. Chapter 11

    Margaret and Elizabeth do not always agree about what to do. How does their disagreement affect their friendship?

12. Chapter 12

    What theme, or big lesson, is shown when the children have to decide whether to help someone who has done something wrong?

13. Chapter 13

    How does the news from the war affect the characters' feelings and choices in this chapter?

14. Chapter 14

    What risks do Margaret and the others take near the end of the story, and why are they willing to take them?

15. Chapter 15

    By the end of the book, what has Margaret learned about bravery, kindness, and judging other people?

    Example answer: By the end of the book, I think Margaret learns that bravery is not only about soldiers and battles. Sometimes bravery means helping someone even when it is scary or unpopular. She also learns that people like Gordy may be acting mean because they are hurt or afraid. I think she becomes more understanding and less quick to judge.