Tales from a Not-so-popular Party Girl Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Tales from a Not-so-popular Party Girl questions by chapter

We know the book, its characters, setting and story, but not what happens in each chapter. So every question is written for this book, and any of them works wherever your reader has just stopped. One question per chapter, across all 31 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

   What seems to be Nikki's biggest problem at this point in her diary? Explain which details helped you decide.

2. Chapter 2

   How would you describe Nikki to someone who has not read the book? Use something you have learned about her so far.

3. Chapter 3

   Which detail from your reading helps you picture Nikki's school or home life, and what does it show you?

4. Chapter 4

   What does Nikki's story suggest about being a good friend so far? Explain using a detail from your reading.

   Example answer: I think Nikki's story suggests that being a good friend means taking promises seriously. She has promised to spend the Halloween dance with her two best friends, but she also wants to be Brandon's date. I can understand why she wants to do both. Still, I think she needs to consider how her friends might feel if they expect her to stay with them.

5. Chapter 5

   Based on what you know now, what do you think Nikki will worry about next, and why?

6. Chapter 6

   Choose a word from your latest reading that describes a feeling. What does it mean, and how does it fit the moment?

7. Chapter 7

   Which of Nikki's choices so far do you agree or disagree with most? Give a reason for your opinion.

8. Chapter 8

   How does Nikki act around other people compared with how she expresses herself in her diary? Use an example you have noticed.

9. Chapter 9

   What have you learned about Brandon so far, and why might that information matter to Nikki?

10. Chapter 10

    Where do you notice the wish to be popular affecting Nikki's thoughts or choices? If you have not noticed it yet, explain what she seems to care about instead.

11. Chapter 11

    Pick a moment from your reading that you found funny, awkward, or surprising. What made you react that way?

12. Chapter 12

    What advice might help Nikki handle the responsibilities she has so far? Predict how following your advice could change what happens next.

    Example answer: I would tell Nikki to explain her plans to everyone instead of trying to manage everything alone. Helping with her sister's ballet party and attending the school dance sound hard to fit together. I predict that asking for help could make her evening less stressful. It might also help her friends understand why she cannot be everywhere at once.

13. Chapter 13

    How has Nikki's relationship with Chloe or Zoey helped you understand her? Explain with something you have read so far.

14. Chapter 14

    Find a phrase in Nikki's diary that has a strong voice or feeling. What does it mean, and what does it reveal about her mood?

15. Chapter 15

    Which piece of information from your latest reading seems most important to remember? Explain why it might matter.

16. Chapter 16

    When has Nikki seemed confident or unsure of herself so far? What details show that feeling?

17. Chapter 17

    How might another character describe Nikki differently from the way she describes herself? Explain your thinking using what you know so far.

18. Chapter 18

    What question would you ask Nikki about something she has written? Explain why you want to know the answer.

19. Chapter 19

    In what way does Nikki's story connect to the idea of fitting in? Use a detail from your reading, or explain why another idea seems more important right now.

20. Chapter 20

    Think about the latest difficulty Nikki faces. What are two possible ways it could turn out, and which seems more likely?

21. Chapter 21

    What have you learned about Nikki's family life so far? Explain how it might affect her life with friends or at school.

22. Chapter 22

    Choose an unfamiliar or interesting word from your reading. How did the words around it help you figure out its meaning?

23. Chapter 23

    Which character's feelings would you like Nikki to understand better at this point? Explain what makes those feelings important.

24. Chapter 24

    What does Nikki seem to want most right now, and what might make it difficult for her to get it?

25. Chapter 25

    How does reading Nikki's diary help you understand her feelings? Point to a detail that might be harder to understand if someone else told her story.

    Example answer: I think Nikki's diary helps me understand why the Halloween plans matter so much to her. Being Brandon's date is important to her, but so is spending time with her best friends. From the outside, I might only notice that her plans overlap. Hearing her side helps me see that she is trying to balance several people she cares about.

26. Chapter 26

    Imagine you could warn Nikki about one possible problem ahead. What would your warning be, and what clues support it?

27. Chapter 27

    Where have you noticed a difference between what Nikki hopes will happen and what actually happens? Explain how she responds, or describe a hope that is still waiting to come true.

28. Chapter 28

    What does the story show so far about balancing your own wishes with what other people need? Connect your answer to Nikki.

29. Chapter 29

    Select a describing word or phrase from your latest reading. How would replacing it with a simpler word change the way you picture the scene?

30. Chapter 30

    Which relationship in Nikki's life seems most important to the story right now? Explain why you chose it.

31. Chapter 31

    After your latest reading, what would you tell a friend about why Nikki's story is worth reading—or why it is not for you? Support your opinion without revealing anything you have not read yet.