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

Chapters 1-6

Reading Check

1. Who steals Rachel’s backpack?

2. What unusual object is in Rachel’s backpack?

3. What’s Rachel’s nickname at school?

4. What does Rachel do to avoid people?

5. What book does Max bring to Rachel at her house?

6. Who physically attacks Rachel’s mother?

Short Answer

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

1. Where does Max live?

2. How did Rachel get her nickname?

3. Why does Max pick Rachel up and carry her out of her house?

Paired Resource

Interview with Rodman Philbrick

• In this 14-minute video, the author of Max the Mighty talks about wanting to be an author as a child, how he learned to write, how he uses suspense, and what advice he would offer to young writers on how to master the craft.
• Includes mention and brief reading from another of Philbrick’s books for middle-grade readers
• Around 6:50, the author discusses the concept of voice in writing. How is voice evident in the opening chapters of Max the Mighty?

Chapters 7-15

Reading Check

1. What is the name of the vehicle in which Max and Rachel leave town?

2.