Race to the Sun Reading Comprehension Questions
by Rebecca Roanhorse
Book Summary
Seventh-grader Nizhoni Begay can see monsters. When her dad's new boss, Mr. Charles, turns out to be an ancient water monster in disguise and kidnaps her father, Nizhoni must act. Along with her brother Mac and her best friend Davery, she embarks on a dangerous rescue mission. Guided by Navajo mythology and the legendary Spider Woman, the trio must survive magical trials and reach the House of the Sun to acquire the weapons needed to defeat the monsters and save her dad.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 8 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Race to the Sun.
1.Who is Nizhoni's brother in the story?
2.What is Mr. Charles's true identity?
3.Why does Spider Woman decide to help Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery?
4.What does the word 'descendant' mean when Spider Woman uses it to describe Nizhoni and Mac?
5.How does Nizhoni's ability to see monsters affect her before the quest begins?
6.Mr. Charles is described as having a 'malevolent' presence. What does 'malevolent' mean in this context?
7.What must the children do when they finally reach the House of the Sun?
8.Why do Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery run away from the Begay home?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Race to the Sun to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Race to the Sun with children.
What was your favorite part of Race to the Sun? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Race to the Sun, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Race to the Sun make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Race to the Sun to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Rebecca Roanhorse wanted young readers to learn from this story?
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Race to the Sun?
Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse is recommended for grades 3-5 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 Race to the Sun?
ReadBuddy provides 8 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Race to the Sun, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Race to the Sun 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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