The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 51 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 2, what does Christopher find in Mrs. Shears's yard, and which details make the scene feel mysterious?
2. In Chapter 3, what do you learn about how Christopher understands people's faces and feelings?
3. In Chapter 5, why does Christopher react strongly when the policeman touches him, and what does this show about him?
4. In Chapter 7, Christopher says he likes murder mystery stories. Why do you think this kind of story interests him?
5. In Chapter 11, what happens at the police station, and how does Christopher try to stay calm?
6. In Chapter 13, Christopher explains prime numbers. How does this choice of chapter numbers help you understand the way he thinks?
7. In Chapter 17, how does Christopher's father show that he cares, even though Christopher does not like normal hugs?
8. In Chapter 19, Christopher talks about metaphors and lies. Why are some kinds of language confusing for him?
9. In Chapter 23, what rules does Christopher's father give him about the mystery, and why might he give those rules?
10. In Chapter 29, Christopher explains why he does not tell lies. Do you think telling the truth is always simple? Why or why not?
11. In Chapter 31, Christopher begins asking neighbors questions. What makes him a good detective, and what might make it hard for him?
12. In Chapter 37, Christopher talks about Sherlock Holmes. What qualities does Christopher admire in Sherlock?
13. In Chapter 41, Christopher describes good days and bad days. What do these ideas show about his need for patterns?
14. In Chapter 43, how does Christopher explain what happened to his mother, and what questions do you still have?
15. In Chapter 47, Christopher connects colors with how his day will go. How can routines or signs help a person feel safer?
16. In Chapter 53, how does Christopher's relationship with his father seem complicated?
17. In Chapter 59, who do you think might have killed Wellington at this point in the story, and what clues make you think that?
18. In Chapter 61, Christopher's thoughts move from one idea to another in a very logical way. How does this help you see the world through his eyes?
19. In Chapter 67, what important information does Mrs. Alexander share with Christopher, and why is it surprising?
20. In Chapter 71, Christopher talks about science and belief. What does this tell you about what he trusts?
21. In Chapter 73, how does Christopher use facts, lists, or clear steps to help himself understand difficult things?
22. In Chapter 79, Mr. Jeavons notices that Christopher likes math. Why might math feel safer or clearer than people?
23. In Chapter 83, Christopher describes memory like a movie. How is his memory different from yours, or how is it similar?
24. In Chapter 89, Christopher finds hidden letters. How does this discovery change the mystery of the story?
25. In Chapter 97, how do the letters affect Christopher, and why is the truth so hard for him to take in?
26. In Chapter 101, what do you learn about Christopher's mother from her letter, and how does it change your view of her?
27. In Chapter 103, Christopher imagines being an astronaut. What does this dream show about what he wants or needs?
28. In Chapter 107, Christopher reads more about why his mother left. How can a letter help readers understand a character better?
29. In Chapter 109, Christopher's father tells him the truth about both his mother and Wellington. How does this change Christopher's trust in him?
30. In Chapter 113, why does Christopher decide he must leave, and what does this decision show about his courage?
31. In Chapter 127, Christopher packs for his journey. What objects does he choose, and what do they tell you about what matters to him?
32. In Chapter 131, how does Christopher use problem-solving skills to plan where to go next?
33. In Chapter 137, Christopher uses a rule or idea to choose the simplest explanation. How can this help a detective solve a problem?
34. In Chapter 139, what makes the train station overwhelming for Christopher, and how does the author help you feel that stress?
35. In Chapter 149, Christopher tries to buy a train ticket. What challenges does he face when talking to strangers?
36. In Chapter 151, Christopher depends on signs, maps, and directions. Why are these tools important to him?
37. In Chapter 157, how does Christopher react when the policeman finds him on the train, and why is he afraid?
38. In Chapter 163, what creates suspense while Christopher is on the train?
39. In Chapter 167, Christopher explains how maps help him. Why might maps feel more trustworthy than spoken directions?
40. In Chapter 173, what problems does Christopher face in the London Underground, and how does he keep going?
41. In Chapter 179, Christopher is very frightened but still moves forward. What strategies does he use to cope?
42. In Chapter 181, Christopher thinks about the brain and the mind. What does this tell you about how he understands people?
43. In Chapter 191, what happens when Christopher finally reaches his mother, and how do both of them react?
44. In Chapter 193, how do the adults' actions affect Christopher's feeling of safety?
45. In Chapter 197, Christopher wants to take his math exam. Why is this goal so important to him?
46. In Chapter 199, Christopher thinks about stars, stories, or the universe. How does this big-picture thinking connect to the themes of truth and facts?
47. In Chapter 211, how does Christopher show perseverance when he takes his exam?
48. In Chapter 223, Christopher's father tries to rebuild trust. What small steps does he take, and why do small steps matter?
49. In Chapter 227, Christopher thinks about what he has achieved. How has he changed since the beginning of the book?
50. In Chapter 229, what accomplishment are you most proud of Christopher for, and why?
51. In Chapter 233, what message do you think the ending gives about courage, independence, and trust?

Example answers

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

In Chapter 13, Christopher explains prime numbers. How does this choice of chapter numbers help you understand the way he thinks?

I think the prime number chapters show that Christopher likes things that follow clear rules. Prime numbers are special because they can only be divided in certain ways. This helps me understand that math feels organized and safe to him. It also makes the book feel like it is written in his own style.

In Chapter 109, Christopher's father tells him the truth about both his mother and Wellington. How does this change Christopher's trust in him?

This changes Christopher's trust a lot because he finds out his father lied about something very important. I think Christopher feels scared because the person who was supposed to keep him safe did something wrong. Even though his father says he is sorry, Christopher cannot just believe him right away. Trust will have to be built again slowly.

In Chapter 223, Christopher's father tries to rebuild trust. What small steps does he take, and why do small steps matter?

Christopher's father tries to rebuild trust by being patient and not forcing Christopher to forgive him quickly. He also gives him a dog, which shows he wants Christopher to feel safe and cared for. Small steps matter because trust is not fixed all at once after someone has been hurt. I think Christopher needs time to see that his father can be honest and gentle.