Son Reading Comprehension Questions
by Lois Lowry
Part of the The Giver Quartet series · Book 4 of 4
Book Summary
Son is the concluding novel in Lois Lowry's Giver Quartet, following the journey of Claire, a young Birthmother from the Community first introduced in The Giver. The story begins with Claire giving birth to her son, who is taken from her. Driven by an inexplicable maternal instinct, she embarks on a perilous quest to find him. Her journey takes her through various communities and challenges, including a period of amnesia, a treacherous sea voyage, and a dangerous encounter with a malevolent entity known as the Trademaster. Claire makes immense sacrifices, including her youth and beauty, to protect her son and ultimately reunite with him and Jonas, facing the forces of evil together.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 19 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Son.
1.What was Claire's assigned role in the Community at the beginning of the story?
2.Which character helped Claire train to climb the cliff and cross the treacherous sea?
3.Why did Claire feel such a strong, unusual connection to the baby she gave birth to in the Community?
4.What can you infer about the Trademaster's true nature based on his interactions with Claire and other villagers?
5.When Claire first arrived in the Village of the Kind People, why was it difficult for her to explain her past?
6.What can you infer about the importance of memory in Claire's journey, especially after she regains her own?
7.What is a central theme explored through Claire's unwavering quest to find her son?
8.The story suggests that true beauty is not just external. How does Claire's experience with the Trademaster contribute to this theme?
9.What lesson does the existence of the Trademaster teach about making choices and desires?
10.Compare Claire's understanding of family and love at the beginning of the story in the Community versus at the end of her journey.
11.How does Einar's sacrifice of his hand to save Claire contribute to the overall message of the story?
12.Analyze how Claire's aging and loss of beauty due to the Trademaster's deals ultimately empower her rather than weaken her.
13.What does the word 'chastisement' mean in the context of the Community, as Claire might have experienced it?
14.When Claire felt 'languid' after giving birth, what does that imply about her physical state?
15.The sea was described as 'treacherous.' Which of the following best describes a treacherous sea?
16.Claire's 'unwavering' determination helped her through many hardships. What does 'unwavering' mean in this sentence?
17.If you were Claire, knowing the dangers and sacrifices involved, would you still embark on the journey to find your son? Why or why not?
18.The book explores different types of communities (the Community, the Kind People, Tradition). Which community do you think offered the best way of life, and why?
19.Claire makes many sacrifices throughout her journey. What do you think is the most significant sacrifice she makes, and what does it reveal about her character?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Son to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Son with children.
What was your favorite part of Son? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Son, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Son make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Son to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Lois 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 Son?
Son by Lois Lowry is recommended for grades 3-5 readers with an AR level of 6.0. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Son?
ReadBuddy provides 19 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Son, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Son 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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