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

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What is the name of Little Willy’s dog?

2. Who does Little Willy hitch to the wagon?

3. How old is Little Willy?

4. What does Little Willy say Grandfather has been worried about this season?

5. Who tries to convince Little Willy to live with her while his grandfather is ill?

6. What does Little Willy realize they are too poor to rent?

7. Who helps Little Willy plow the potato field?

Short Answer

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

1. How does Doc Smith initially describe Grandfather’s condition to Little Willy? What does she mean by this based on Grandfather’s behaviors and symptoms and her explanation of them? 

2. What systems does Little Willy develop to communicate with Grandfather?

3. In what ways does Little Willy display maturity beyond his years?

Paired Resource

The 19th Century Doctor

• This 4-minute video explains the tools and methodology of 19th-century doctors.
• Shared themes include Sacrifice as Declarations of Devotion.
• How is care from a doctor in the 19th century different from care that might be given today? What kinds of tools did doctors use to diagnose problems? Though the book’s time frame is not mentioned, what are the similarities between 19th-century doctors and Doc Smith in the novel?