I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) Reading Comprehension Questions
by Lauren Tarshis
Book Summary
This book tells the story of Piero, a young boy living in Siena, Italy, in 1348, as the devastating Black Death plague sweeps through his city. Piero experiences the horror of the disease firsthand as his family members fall ill and die, and he witnesses the breakdown of society around him. He must find the strength and resilience to survive amidst immense loss and fear, eventually having to leave his home in search of safety.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 14 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24).
1.What was the name of Piero's younger sister?
2.What city did Piero and his family live in at the beginning of the story?
3.What were the painful black swellings called that were a symptom of the Black Death?
4.Why do you think Piero's older brother, Enzo, tried to find a way for the family to escape Siena?
5.How do you think Piero felt when he found himself alone in Siena?
6.What can you infer about the Black Death based on how quickly it affected Siena?
7.What is a main lesson Piero learns by the end of the story?
8.What is a central theme of 'I Survived the Black Death, 1348'?
9.How did Piero's feelings about Siena change from the beginning of the story to when he was alone?
10.What does the word 'bustling' mean in the sentence: 'Piero lived in the bustling city of Siena'?
11.If Siena was 'devastated' by the sickness, what does that mean happened to the city?
12.What does 'resilience' mean when we say Piero showed great resilience?
13.Imagine you are Piero. What would be the hardest part about losing your family and being alone during the Black Death? How would you try to stay hopeful?
14.If you lived in Siena when the Black Death first arrived, what do you think would be the most important thing to do to try and stay safe? Why?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) with children.
What was your favorite part of I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24)? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24), who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Lauren Tarshis wanted young readers to learn from this story?
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24)?
I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) by Lauren Tarshis is recommended for grades 2-4 readers with an AR level of 3.8. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24)?
ReadBuddy provides 14 carefully crafted comprehension questions for I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24), covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) 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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