Talons of Power Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Talons of Power 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 30 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 have you learned so far about Turtle in Talons of Power? Explain what seems most important to know about him.

2. Chapter 2

   How does the dragon world around Turtle affect his choices? Use a detail about a place described so far.

3. Chapter 3

   What trouble do you predict Turtle's secret magic could cause? Explain what makes your prediction reasonable.

   Example answer: I predict Turtle could have trouble deciding when to use his magic. If he uses it to help someone, another dragon might discover his secret. If he keeps hiding it, he might feel bad about not helping. His wish to stay unnoticed makes me think this will be a hard choice for him.

4. Chapter 4

   Which feeling seems strongest for Turtle at this point? Describe a detail that helped you recognize it.

5. Chapter 5

   Find a word connected to magic or power in your reading. What do you think it means, and which nearby words helped you?

6. Chapter 6

   Do you think Turtle's wish to avoid attention helps him or holds him back? Explain your opinion using what you know so far.

7. Chapter 7

   What problem seems most important in the story right now? Explain how it affects Turtle or another dragon.

8. Chapter 8

   What are you curious about when you think about Turtle and his sister Anemone? Explain why your question matters to understanding Turtle.

9. Chapter 9

   Which friendship or family relationship has caught your attention so far? Describe what makes it interesting.

10. Chapter 10

    Based on your reading, how might being brave differ from being powerful? Connect your ideas to Turtle's world.

11. Chapter 11

    How does Tui T. Sutherland make you curious or worried about what will happen next? Describe one writing choice you noticed.

12. Chapter 12

    What choice might Turtle face next? Explain what you think he would consider before deciding.

13. Chapter 13

    Compare Turtle with another dragon you have met so far. How do they respond differently to a problem, a fear, or another character?

14. Chapter 14

    What do you understand about animus magic at this point, and what do you still wonder about it?

15. Chapter 15

    Choose a word or phrase that helps create the mood of your latest chapter. Explain its meaning and how it affects the way the scene feels.

16. Chapter 16

    What would help you decide whether a dragon deserves Turtle's trust? Connect your answer to what you have read so far.

    Example answer: I would look at how a dragon treats someone who cannot offer anything in return. Turtle has a powerful secret, so someone might be interested in his magic instead of his friendship. I would trust a dragon more if that dragon respected his choices and did not pressure him. To me, actions would matter more than promises.

17. Chapter 17

    Which action or thought has helped you understand what Turtle cares about? Explain what it reveals.

18. Chapter 18

    Describe a moment from your reading that you could picture clearly. Which details helped you imagine the dragons or their surroundings?

19. Chapter 19

    How does the title Talons of Power connect to the story so far? Explain what the word power makes you think about.

20. Chapter 20

    If you could suggest one rule for using animus magic responsibly, what would it be? Explain how your reading helped you choose it.

21. Chapter 21

    Choose a small detail that might become important later. What do you predict it could lead to, and why?

22. Chapter 22

    Whose point of view besides Turtle's would you like to hear at this point? Explain what that dragon might help you understand.

23. Chapter 23

    How does fear affect a choice in your reading? Explain whether you think that fear is helpful, harmful, or a little of both.

24. Chapter 24

    When has it been hard to tell whether a dragon's choice was right or wrong? Explain the different sides you can see.

25. Chapter 25

    Find a word that describes speaking, thinking, or moving in your latest chapter. How would the meaning change if the author used a simpler word?

26. Chapter 26

    Can a quiet dragon like Turtle be an exciting main character? Explain your opinion using what you have learned about him so far.

    Example answer: I think Turtle can be exciting even though he does not want attention. He has secret magic, which makes me wonder what he might do with it. His quiet personality also makes his thoughts important because other dragons may not know what he is feeling. I want to find out whether his wish to stay unnoticed will get in the way of helping others.

27. Chapter 27

    Summarize your latest chapter in a few sentences. Focus on the event or discovery that matters most to the story.

28. Chapter 28

    What connection can you make between Turtle's experiences and a situation someone might face at school or at home? Explain both a similarity and a difference.

29. Chapter 29

    Has your opinion of any dragon changed during your reading? Explain what changed your mind, or what has made your first impression stronger.

30. Chapter 30

    Which question about Turtle's story most interests you at this point? Explain what you know about it and what you still want to understand.