IMPORTANT: Comprehension questions will be in chronological order as you read through the story. Page numbers are approximate, and will vary with different editions of the book.
Section 1: Chapters 1-4
Vocabulary
- acquire: to come to own something; to gain a new skill, ability, etc., usually by your own effort
- encyclopedia: a reference work such as a book, series of books, Web site, or CD-ROM, that contains information about many different subjects or a lot of information about a particular subject
- hula: a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming
- monopoly: complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area or market; complete ownership or control of something
- origins: the point or place where something begins or is created; the source or cause of something
- profound: having or showing great knowledge or understanding; requiring deep thought or wisdom
Vocabulary Sentences
- Joey decided to use the encyclopedia to begin his research on the solar system.
- Lola was thrilled to take hula lessons while visiting Hawaii last summer.
- Greg is able to acquire valuable outdoor survival skills by becoming a Boy Scout.
- Selena’s teacher complimented her profound story of how she stood up to a bully.
- When the two tech businesses merged, people were concerned about them becoming a monopoly.
Comprehension Questions
- Nick Allen decides to turn Miss Deaver’s room into a tropical island. (pg. 1)
- Miss Deaver says the idea is cute, colorful, and creative. (pg. 2)
- Nick learns that Red-Wing Blackbirds give a high-pitched chirp when danger is near. (pg. 3)
- The kids think that Mrs. Granger has X-ray vision. (pg. 7)
- Mrs. Granger keeps thirty dictionaries in her room. (pg. 10)
- Mrs. Granger’s battle cry is “Look it up! That’s why we have the dictionary.” (pg. 10)
- Nick Allen asks a question three minutes before the bell rings. (pg. 14)
- The goal of the trick is to sidetrack the teacher and get homework delayed or canceled. (pg. 14)
- The rule at Nick’s house is Homework First. (pg. 17)
- The biggest change for Nick in fifth grade is that schoolwork is now spilling over into his free time. (pg. 19)
- Nick compares reading the first sentence to trying to read the ingredients on a shampoo bottle. (pg. 20)
- After reading all the boring stuff, Nick decides to turn his report into something special. (pg. 21)
Section 2: Chapters 5-8
Vocabulary
- applause: approval publicly expressed as by clapping the hands
- cassette: a thin case that holds audio tape or videotape and in which the tape passes from one reel to another when being played
- detention: a punishment in which a student is required to stay at school after the rest of the students have left
- linoleum: a type of material that is produced in thin sheets, has a shiny surface, and is used to cover floors and counters
- maroon: a dark red color
- oath: a formal and serious promise to tell the truth or to do something
- sidetrack: to cause someone to talk about or do something different and less important; to change the direction or use of something
Vocabulary Sentences
- Ginger had no idea what her mother meant when she talked about listening to music on cassette tapes when she was a young girl.
- Leland received detention after talking disrespectfully to his teacher.
- The linoleum floor in the bathroom needs to be replaced soon.
- The young singer received many applause for her very first solo performance in the school play.
- The two friends swore an oath that they would be friends forever.
Comprehension Questions
- Nick forgets to give his report a title. (pg. 24)
- The kids are yawning and putting their heads down on their desks while Nick gives his report. (pg. 25)
- Mrs. Granger looks at her watch to let Nick know he is using up a lot of time. (pg. 26)
- The kids think the report was the greatest time-waster Nick had ever invented. (pg. 28)
- Mrs. Granger jammed the whole day’s work into the last eight minutes of school. (pg.31)
- The third thing that happens to Nick after he picks up the pen is that he invents the word “frindle.” (pg. 35)
- Nick starts the plan by going into the Penny Pantry store and asking for a “frindle” while pointing to a pen. (pg. 37)
- Mrs. Granger is furious and says that everyone must use the word “pen” or stay after school to write one hundred sentences. (pg. 43)
- Students who use the word “frindle” have to write, “I am writing this punishment with a pen.”
- Mrs. Granger asks Nick to sign his name and write the date on the back of the white envelope. (pg. 45-47)
- Pete has an idea that all the fifth graders should ask Mrs. Granger to borrow a “frindle.” (pg. 47)
- The principal of Lincoln Elementary School visits Mr. and Mrs. Allen. (pg. 48)
Section 3: Chapters 9-12
Vocabulary
- disrespectful: showing a lack of respect or courtesy; impolite
- mastermind: a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project
- opinion: a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something
- pursed: to form your lips into a tight circle or line
- rebellion: open opposition toward a person or group in authority; refusal to obey rules or accept normal standards of behavior, dress, etc.
- trademark: a distinguishing characteristic or feature firmly associated with a person or thing
Vocabulary Sentences
- Omar realized he needed to stop using disrespectful language if he wanted his parents to listen to his frustrations.
- Jessica appreciated her parents asking her opinion about activities she would like to do while on vacation next summer.
- Lucas enjoyed learning about the Lego mastermind Ole Kirk Christiansen.
- The Chinese railroad workers started a rebellion when they stopped working and demanded fair pay.
- Iris pursed her lips while taking the difficult math exam.
Comprehension Questions
- Nick thinks Mrs. Chatham would play linebacker on a football team. (pg. 49)
- Mrs. Allen looks annoyed while Mrs. Chatham tells the story. (pg. 52)
- Nick found the word “ain’t” in Mrs. Granger’s big dictionary. (pg. 53)
- Nick’s sudden vision is that a chess game is taking place between him and Mrs. Granger. (pg. 54)
- Nick’s defender is his mother and he describes her as the white queen. (pg. 54)
- Judy Morgan takes a photo of Mrs. Granger’s notice about the punishment for using the word “frindle.” (pg. 58)
- The principal says that Mrs. Granger might have overreacted about the kids using the word “frindle.” (pg. 60)
- Nick Allen has written the punishment sentence six hundred times. (pg. 63)
- The sentence that everybody reacts with after the article is published is “What is the meaning of this?!” (pg. 68)
- Nick feels shy and awkward when everybody starts to notice him around town. (pg. 70)
- Mrs. Granger says the dictionary is the finest tool around for educating young minds. (pg. 74)
- The word “quiz” was invented by one person for no apparent reason. (pg. 77)
- Bud’s lawyer is afraid of a big lawsuit if they don’t offer a deal to Mr. Allen. (pg. 78)
- Bud Lawrence is offering Nick Allen thirty percent of the profits. (pg. 82)
Section 4: Chapters 13-15
Vocabulary
- celebrity: a famous or celebrated person
- curiosity: the desire to learn or know more about something or someone; something that is interesting because it is unusual
- embarrassed: to make someone feel confused and foolish in front of other people
- habit: a usual way of behaving; something that a person does often in a regular and repeated way
- rascal: a person and especially a young person who causes trouble or does things that annoy people
- superintendent: a person who directs or manages a place, department, organization, etc.
Vocabulary Sentences
- The celebrity took pictures with some fans before leaving the restaurant.
- Maggie doesn’t know how long she has battled the habit of biting her nails.
- Xander knew he was being a rascal by tapping his pencil on his desk during the history test.
- Isabel felt embarrassed when she realized she was wearing her shirt inside out.
- The superintendent of the elementary school praised the teachers for their dedication to helping every child learn to read.
Comprehension Questions
- Bud Lawrence is very happy because brindle-mania is happening in hundreds of towns. (pg. 85)
- Bud’s factory in Westfield produces frindle baseball caps. (pg. 85)
- Every fifth grader gets the word “pen”wrong on their weekly spelling test, because they write “frindle” instead. (pg. 87)
- Nick’s new idea is to have all the kids bring their own lunches so that the school cooks will make better food. (pg. 89)
- Nick keeps his new idea to himself. (pg. 89)
- Nick is quiet all the time and doesn’t joke or laugh in Mrs. Granger’s class anymore. (pg. 90)
- The two things that help Nick make a complete recovery are the little talk he had with Mrs. Granger and summer vacation. (pg. 93)
- The word “frindle” is being used more often and is becoming a real word. (pg. 94)
- When Nick turns 21, he receives the frindle trust fund money and becomes very rich. (pg. 95)
- Nick buys himself a new computer, ten new games, and a mountain bike. (pg. 96)
- Mrs. Granger sends the letter to Nick after the word “frindle” is added to the dictionary. (pg. 98)
- Mrs. Granger chooses to play the villain in the drama. (pg. 99)
- The letter from the superintendent says that a trust fund for college scholarships has been set up for one million dollars. Nick sends Mrs. Granger a gold fountain pen. (pg. 104)