The Mouse and the Motorcycle

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 13 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, what do Keith and his family notice about the hotel, and how does Ralph react when he sees Keith's toy motorcycle?
2. In Chapter 2, why do you think the motorcycle is so exciting to Ralph? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.
3. In Chapter 3, Ralph gets into serious trouble. What problem does he face, and how does he try to handle it?
4. In Chapter 4, how does Keith show that he is different from the other humans Ralph has seen? What does this reveal about Keith's character?
5. In Chapter 5, predict what might happen if Ralph keeps riding the motorcycle at night. What clues in the story support your prediction?
6. In Chapter 6, the peanut butter sandwich causes problems for Ralph and his family. What lesson do you think Ralph learns from this situation?
7. In Chapter 7, the vacuum cleaner becomes a danger to Ralph and the motorcycle. How does this scene build suspense for the reader?
8. In Chapter 8, Ralph has to deal with his relatives and their opinions. How do his family members affect his choices?
9. In Chapter 9, what does it mean that Ralph 'takes command'? Give an example of how Ralph acts more responsible in this chapter.
10. In Chapter 10, Keith becomes sick and Ralph has an anxious night. How do Ralph's feelings show that he truly cares about Keith?
11. In Chapter 11, choose one important word from the chapter, such as search, anxious, or responsibility. What does the word mean, and how does it connect to what happens in the story?
12. In Chapter 12, Ralph goes on an errand of mercy. Why is this errand brave, and what risks does Ralph take to help Keith?
13. In Chapter 13, Keith writes about Ralph for a composition. If you were Keith, what would you say was the most important thing Ralph did, and why?

Example answers

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

In Chapter 4, how does Keith show that he is different from the other humans Ralph has seen? What does this reveal about Keith's character?

I think Keith shows he is different because he listens to Ralph instead of just being scared or trying to hurt him. He treats Ralph like someone who can think and feel. This shows that Keith is kind, curious, and fair. He is willing to make a friend even when that friend is a mouse.

In Chapter 7, the vacuum cleaner becomes a danger to Ralph and the motorcycle. How does this scene build suspense for the reader?

This scene builds suspense because the vacuum cleaner is huge and powerful compared to Ralph. I kept wondering if the motorcycle would be ruined or if Ralph would get caught. The danger feels close because Ralph cannot just explain everything to the humans. It makes the reader want to keep reading to see if he can fix the problem.

In Chapter 12, Ralph goes on an errand of mercy. Why is this errand brave, and what risks does Ralph take to help Keith?

Ralph's errand is brave because he is small, but he still goes out to help Keith when Keith is sick. He risks being seen by people, getting lost, or being hurt while he searches for what Keith needs. I think Ralph proves that he is not just thinking about fun anymore. He is acting like a true friend.