Fever, 1793 Reading Comprehension Questions
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Book Summary
Fourteen-year-old Mattie Cook's life is turned upside down when a deadly yellow fever epidemic strikes Philadelphia in 1793. She must navigate illness, loss, and survival as she grows from a carefree girl into a resilient young woman.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 8 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Fever, 1793.
1.Who is the cook at the coffeehouse that Mattie later makes her equal business partner?
2.Why does Mattie decide to take care of the toddler, Nell?
3.Why are Mattie and Grandfather forced off the wagon when they try to leave Philadelphia?
4.What does the word 'victuals' mean when Grandfather says they need to find some?
5.Why does Mother demand that Mattie leave the coffeehouse when Mother gets sick?
6.Doctors in 1793 believed the fever was caused by a 'miasma'. What does 'miasma' mean in the context of the story?
7.What natural event finally ends the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia?
8.How does Mattie's character change from the beginning of the story to the end?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Fever, 1793 to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Fever, 1793 with children.
What was your favorite part of Fever, 1793? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Fever, 1793, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Fever, 1793 make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Fever, 1793 to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Laurie Halse Anderson wanted young readers to learn from this story?
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Fever, 1793?
Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson is recommended for grades 3-5 readers with an AR level of 5.8. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Fever, 1793?
ReadBuddy provides 8 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Fever, 1793, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Fever, 1793 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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