Messenger Reading Comprehension Questions
by L. Lowry
Part of the The Giver Quartet series · Book 3 of 4
Book Summary
Messenger is the third book in Lois Lowry's Giver Quartet, following Jonas and Gabriel's arrival in a new community called Village. The story centers on Matty, a young boy with a mysterious past who serves as the Village's 'Messenger,' traveling through the dangerous Forest to connect with other settlements. As the Village begins to change, with its inhabitants becoming increasingly selfish and unwelcoming, the Forest itself grows hostile. Matty discovers he possesses a unique healing gift and must embark on a final, perilous journey through the Forest to bring a beloved character to Village before its borders close permanently, ultimately making a profound sacrifice to heal both the land and the spirit of his community.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 19 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Messenger.
1.What was Matty's main job in the Village at the beginning of the story?
2.What significant change began to occur among the inhabitants of the Village?
3.Why did the Forest become more dangerous and hostile as the story progressed?
4.What can you infer about Jonas's feelings regarding the Village's decision to close its borders?
5.Based on Matty's actions, what can you infer about the true nature of his healing gift?
6.Why did Matty feel a desperate urgency to complete his final mission before the border closed?
7.What is a central theme explored through the changing nature of the Village and its inhabitants?
8.How does Matty's journey and ultimate sacrifice contribute to a major theme of the book?
9.What lesson does the story convey about the relationship between people and their environment?
10.How does Matty's character evolve from his 'mischievous past' to his role as Messenger?
11.Compare and contrast the Village at the beginning of the story with its state before Matty's final sacrifice.
12.What is the significance of the 'Trade Mart' in understanding the Village's decline?
13.What does the word 'perilous' mean in the context of Matty's journeys through the Forest?
14.In the sentence, 'Jonas worried about the erosion of kindness and generosity within the Village community,' what does 'erosion' refer to?
15.When Seer expressed 'quiet resignation' about the border closure, what did his 'resignation' mean?
16.What is the best definition for 'profound' as used in 'Matty's final act was a profound sacrifice'?
17.If you were Matty, facing the increasingly hostile Forest and the pressure to complete your mission, what would be your biggest fear, and how would you try to overcome it?
18.The Village decided to close its borders for safety. Do you think this was the right decision, even though it meant isolating themselves? Why or why not?
19.Matty makes a profound sacrifice to heal the Forest and the Village. What does this story teach us about the idea of 'sacrifice' and its impact on a community?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Messenger to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Messenger with children.
What was your favorite part of Messenger? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Messenger, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Messenger make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Messenger to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think L. Lowry wanted young readers to learn from this story?
More in the The Giver Quartet Series
All 4books →Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Messenger?
Messenger by L. Lowry is recommended for grades 3-5 readers with an AR level of 5.2. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Messenger?
ReadBuddy provides 19 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Messenger, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Messenger 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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