The Black Stallion

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 18 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: Alec is drawn to the mysterious black horse on the ship. What details show that the horse is both dangerous and special?
2. Chapter 2: During the storm and shipwreck, Alec has to make quick choices. Which choice do you think matters most, and why?
3. Chapter 3: When Alec reaches the island, what problems does he need to solve first? How does he begin to take care of himself?
4. Chapter 4: The Black is a wild stallion, but Alec keeps trying to get close to him. What does Alec do that helps the horse start to trust him?
5. Chapter 5: Choose one survival skill Alec uses on the island. How does this skill help him stay alive and keep hope?
6. Chapter 6: How does Alec’s relationship with the Black change when he rides him? Use details to explain Alec’s feelings.
7. Chapter 7: If you were Alec on the island, what would you predict might happen next after he and the Black become closer? What clues support your prediction?
8. Chapter 8: Rescue brings safety, but it also brings new problems. What challenges does Alec face when people try to help him and the Black?
9. Chapter 9: When Alec returns home, how do his family and neighbors react to the Black? What does this show about how unusual the horse is?
10. Chapter 10: Henry Dailey becomes important to Alec and the Black. What kind of person is Henry, and how can you tell?
11. Chapter 11: Alec rides the Black at night instead of in front of everyone. Why does secrecy matter in this chapter?
12. Chapter 12: In horse racing, training means helping a horse build skill, strength, and discipline. How does the training change the Black or Alec?
13. Chapter 13: Henry shares more about his past with horses. How does learning about Henry’s past change the way you see him?
14. Chapter 14: The word speed can mean more than just moving fast. What does the Black’s speed mean to Alec and Henry?
15. Chapter 15: The adults must decide whether the Black should race famous horses. What risks and rewards do they have to think about?
16. Chapter 16: Before the big race, how does the author build excitement or nervousness for the reader?
17. Chapter 17: During the race, Alec has to stay brave and focused. What actions show his courage and trust in the Black?
18. Chapter 18: By the end of the story, what lesson does Alec’s journey with the Black teach about trust, courage, or friendship?

Example answers

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

Chapter 4: The Black is a wild stallion, but Alec keeps trying to get close to him. What does Alec do that helps the horse start to trust him?

I think Alec helps the Black trust him by being patient and not giving up. He does not treat the horse like a machine or try to force him too much. Alec watches the Black carefully and learns what makes him scared or calm. This shows that trust takes time, especially with an animal that has been wild and frightened.

Chapter 12: In horse racing, training means helping a horse build skill, strength, and discipline. How does the training change the Black or Alec?

The training changes Alec because he becomes more serious and responsible. He has to listen to Henry and learn how to work with the Black instead of just riding for fun. The Black also starts to use his power in a more controlled way. I think their bond gets stronger because they are working toward the same goal.

Chapter 18: By the end of the story, what lesson does Alec’s journey with the Black teach about trust, courage, or friendship?

By the end of the story, I think Alec’s journey teaches that real friendship is built through trust. Alec and the Black survive dangerous times because they learn to depend on each other. Alec is brave, but he also respects the Black and believes in him. To me, the story shows that courage is easier when you are not facing challenges alone.