Will's Race for Home Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Will's Race for Home questions by chapter

We don’t know this book well enough to ask about its story, so these are open-ended prompts that get a reader thinking about the chapter they just finished: what happened, who changed, what they would do. One question per chapter, across all 32 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 do you learn about Will's life, personality, or hopes in this chapter? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.

2. Chapter 2

   Which details about Will's family help you understand why having a real home matters to them so much?

3. Chapter 3

   How does the setting of the story affect what Will notices, worries about, or hopes for in this chapter?

4. Chapter 4

   What problem feels most important in this chapter, and why do you think it matters to Will?

5. Chapter 5

   In what ways does Will show determination so far, even when things are difficult or uncertain?

6. Chapter 6

   Pick one sentence or description that helped you picture the scene. What did it make you see, hear, or feel?

7. Chapter 7

   What does Will's idea of home seem to mean in this chapter? Is it only a place, or is it something more?

8. Chapter 8

   How do the adults around Will influence his choices, feelings, or understanding of the world so far?

9. Chapter 9

   What choice does Will or another character make in this chapter, and what might that choice show about the character?

10. Chapter 10

    Which moment in this chapter felt most important to you? Explain why it stood out.

11. Chapter 11

    How is hope shown in this chapter? Give an example of something a character says, does, or thinks.

12. Chapter 12

    What questions do you still have about Will, his family, or the race for a home after reading this chapter?

13. Chapter 13

    Describe how Will handles fear or worry in this chapter. What would you have done in a similar situation?

14. Chapter 14

    What does this chapter show about fairness or unfairness? How does it connect to Will's journey?

    Example answer: This chapter makes me think about fairness because Will and his family are trying to build a better future, but getting that chance is not simple. I think the author wants readers to notice that some people have to work harder just to feel safe and respected. It connects to Will's journey because his race for a home is also a race for fairness and belonging.

15. Chapter 15

    Choose a strong word from this chapter. What do you think it means, and how does it help the story?

16. Chapter 16

    How does Will react when things do not go exactly the way he expects? What does that tell you about him?

17. Chapter 17

    What connection can you make between Will's search for home and something you have read, learned, or experienced?

18. Chapter 18

    What new information in this chapter changes what you understand about Will's goals or challenges?

19. Chapter 19

    How do the dangers or obstacles in this chapter make the story feel more serious?

20. Chapter 20

    What lesson might Will be learning right now? Use evidence from the chapter to support your idea.

21. Chapter 21

    If you could speak to Will at the end of this chapter, what advice or encouragement would you give him?

22. Chapter 22

    What does this chapter reveal about being brave? How is courage shown in a small or quiet way?

    Example answer: I think this chapter shows that bravery is not always about acting fearless. Will can be brave by keeping going even when he feels nervous or unsure. That kind of courage matters because it shows he is trying to help his family and not give up on their dream.

23. Chapter 23

    How does the author build suspense in this chapter? Point to a detail that made you want to keep reading.

24. Chapter 24

    Compare Will at this point in the story to Will at the beginning. What is one way he seems the same, and one way he seems different?

25. Chapter 25

    What emotion did you feel most while reading this chapter, and what part of the writing made you feel that way?

26. Chapter 26

    How does family or community help a character in this chapter? Why might that support be important?

27. Chapter 27

    What prediction can you make about Will's next step? What clues from the chapter helped you make that prediction?

28. Chapter 28

    Which small detail in this chapter might be important later? Explain why you noticed it.

29. Chapter 29

    What does Will learn about trust in this chapter? Think about who he listens to, depends on, or questions.

30. Chapter 30

    How has the meaning of 'home' grown or changed in the story so far?

31. Chapter 31

    What part of this chapter best shows the main theme of the book? Explain the message you think the author is sharing.

32. Chapter 32

    Looking back over the whole story, how has Will changed, and what message about home, hope, or fairness will you remember most?

    Example answer: By the end, I think Will has grown because he understands that home is more than land or a building. Home means family, safety, hope, and a place where people can belong. The message I will remember is that everyone deserves a fair chance to make a good life.