The Great Brain

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 8 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: How does J.D. introduce his brother Tom, and what details show that Tom's brain is both impressive and troublesome?
2. Chapter 2: Tom finds a way to turn a situation into a chance to make money. What is his plan, and how do the other children react?
3. Chapter 3: Choose one character who is fooled, helped, or challenged by Tom. What does that character learn from the experience?
4. Chapter 4: Find an interesting vocabulary word in this chapter that connects to Tom's behavior. What does the word mean, and why does it fit what Tom does?
5. Chapter 5: Tom's choices affect more than just himself. What do you predict will happen if he keeps using his cleverness mainly to get what he wants? Use clues from the chapter.
6. Chapter 6: When does Tom use his 'great brain' in a helpful way? What does this show about the difference between being smart and being kind?
7. Chapter 7: How do J.D.'s feelings about Tom change as the events unfold? Give two details that show what J.D. admires or dislikes.
8. Chapter 8: By the end of the book, what do you think the story is saying about cleverness, honesty, and family? Do you think Tom has changed? Why or why not?

Example answers

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

Chapter 2: Tom finds a way to turn a situation into a chance to make money. What is his plan, and how do the other children react?

I think Tom's plan shows how quickly he can notice what people want. He sees a chance to make money because the other children are curious and willing to pay or trade. Some of the children seem impressed by him, but they also get tricked because Tom is thinking mostly about himself. This makes me feel that Tom is clever, but not always fair.

Chapter 6: When does Tom use his 'great brain' in a helpful way? What does this show about the difference between being smart and being kind?

Tom uses his great brain in a helpful way when he solves a problem that is bigger than just making money for himself. I noticed that he can understand people and figure out what needs to happen. Being smart means he can make a good plan, but being kind means he uses that plan to help someone else. This chapter made me think Tom has the power to do good if he chooses to.

Chapter 8: By the end of the book, what do you think the story is saying about cleverness, honesty, and family? Do you think Tom has changed? Why or why not?

I think the story shows that cleverness can be good or bad depending on how a person uses it. Tom is very smart, but sometimes he hurts people's feelings or takes advantage of them. His family still cares about him, and J.D. seems to both admire him and get frustrated with him. I do not think Tom has completely changed, but I think he has moments when he understands that using his brain to help others is better than only helping himself.