Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-4

Reading Check

1. Which animal is “the commonest thing on the prairie”? (Chapter 1)

2. Which two groups of animals strongly dislike each other?

3. Why does Billy’s father allow the owl as a pet?

4. When is the “only time [Billy] really hated school”? (Chapter 3)

5. Who is Wol?

6. What happens when Offy sees Wol in Billy’s house?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe the opening scene of the novel. Where are Bruce and Billy? What are they trying to do on this particular day?

2. What type of owl do Bruce and Billy find? What do they decide to do?

3. Summarize what happens when Mr. Miller tries to climb the tree. What do he and the boys determine?

4. What subject do Bruce, Billy, and Murray talk about every day at recess and after school? What do they finally decide?

5. What are Wol’s living conditions at Billy’s home? How does Wol find a friend?

Paired Resources

“Great Horned Owl”

• The Canadian Wildlife Federation offers information about this owl species in Canada.