Catherine, Called Birdy Reading Comprehension Questions
by Karen Cushman
Book Summary
Set in the year 1290, the story is told through the diary of a fourteen-year-old English girl named Catherine, often called Birdy. As the daughter of a minor country knight, Catherine is expected to act like a proper lady and marry a wealthy suitor of her father's choosing. Rebellious and spirited, Catherine uses her wit to drive away various unwanted suitors while documenting her daily life, her struggles for independence, and her eventual coming-of-age realization that she can maintain her true identity regardless of her circumstances.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 9 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Catherine, Called Birdy.
1.Who commands Catherine to start writing a daily diary?
2.Why is Lord Rollo so determined to find a husband for Catherine?
3.What is a 'privy' in the context of Catherine's story?
4.What does the word 'betrothal' mean when Lord Rollo arranges one for Catherine and Shaggy Beard?
5.Why does Catherine paint her face with mud and blacken her teeth when visitors arrive?
6.What important lesson does Catherine learn about her identity after she runs away to her Uncle George's house?
7.How does Catherine finally escape having to marry the older man she calls Shaggy Beard?
8.When Catherine writes her diary on 'parchment', what material is she using?
9.Based on her diary entries, how does Catherine feel about her father, Lord Rollo, for most of the story?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Catherine, Called Birdy to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Catherine, Called Birdy with children.
What was your favorite part of Catherine, Called Birdy? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Catherine, Called Birdy, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Catherine, Called Birdy make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Catherine, Called Birdy to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Karen Cushman wanted young readers to learn from this story?
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Catherine, Called Birdy?
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman is recommended for grades 3-5 readers with an AR level of 6.4. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Catherine, Called Birdy?
ReadBuddy provides 9 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Catherine, Called Birdy, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Catherine, Called Birdy 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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