Blended Reading Comprehension Questions
by Sharon M. Draper
Book Summary
Blended tells the story of Isabella (Izzy), a biracial girl whose parents are divorced. She spends weekdays with her Black father, stepmother Anastasia, and stepbrother Darren, and weekends with her white mother and stepfather John Mark. Izzy feels constantly split between two worlds, struggling with her identity and belonging. The novel explores themes of family, friendship, racism, and finding one's voice, especially after Izzy and Darren experience a pivotal incident involving racial profiling by the police.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 19 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Blended.
1.What is Isabella's (Izzy's) living arrangement at the beginning of the story?
2.Which school activity does Izzy participate in that helps her explore her identity?
3.What does the word 'ambiguous' mean as it is used to describe Izzy's identity in the story?
4.What does 'racial profiling' refer to in the context of the police incident with Darren?
5.Which word best describes the 'bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly' that Izzy sometimes felt regarding her parents' divorce?
6.In the story, when Izzy starts to 'advocate for herself,' what does that mean she is doing?
7.Why does Izzy feel like 'two different people' at the beginning of the story?
8.What can readers infer about the impact of the police incident on Izzy's understanding of the world?
9.Based on Izzy's journey, what can you infer about the importance of self-expression for young people?
10.Why might Izzy's lighter skin tone have caused her to be treated differently than Darren during the police stop?
11.What is a central theme explored through Izzy's experience of living in two different homes?
12.The police incident with Darren primarily develops which major theme in the book?
13.By the end of the story, what lesson does Izzy learn about her 'blended' identity?
14.How does Izzy's participation in the school play, 'The Wizard of Oz,' serve as a metaphor for her personal journey?
15.Compare and contrast how Izzy's father and mother likely reacted to the police incident involving Darren, based on their backgrounds.
16.How does the author use the differing perspectives within Izzy's blended family to highlight the complexities of race and identity?
17.If you were in Izzy's shoes, feeling split between two different family cultures, what strategies might you use to feel more whole and comfortable with your identity?
18.The book 'Blended' tackles serious topics like racism and identity. Why do you think it's important for authors to write stories like this for young readers?
19.After the police incident, Izzy's family had difficult conversations about race and privilege. How do you think families can best approach such sensitive topics to ensure everyone feels heard and understood?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Blended to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Blended with children.
What was your favorite part of Blended? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Blended, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Blended make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Blended to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Sharon M. Draper wanted young readers to learn from this story?
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Blended?
Blended by Sharon M. Draper is recommended for grades 2-4 readers with an AR level of 4.8. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Blended?
ReadBuddy provides 19 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Blended, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Blended for reading practice?
Read the book together or independently, then use ReadBuddy's comprehension questions to check understanding. Focus on vocabulary words, discuss character motivations, and encourage your child to make connections to their own experiences.
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