The Borrowers Reading Comprehension Questions
by Mary Norton
Book Summary
The Borrowers tells the story of the tiny Clock family – Pod, Homily, and their adventurous daughter Arrietty – who live secretly under the floorboards of a large English country house. They survive by 'borrowing' small items from the 'human beans' who live above them. Arrietty longs to see the world outside their tiny home, a wish that comes true when she goes on her first borrowing expedition with her father. However, she is spotted by a human boy, leading to a cautious friendship but also the terrifying discovery of their existence by the house's suspicious housekeeper, Mrs. Driver. The family is forced to flee their home and embark on a perilous journey into the unknown world outside.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 14 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about The Borrowers.
1.What is the name of the young Borrower girl who longs to see the world?
2.Where did the Clock family live at the beginning of the story?
3.What item did Pod and Arrietty go upstairs to borrow on her very first expedition?
4.Why did Homily and Pod worry so much about being seen by human beans?
5.Why do you think The Boy left gifts like dollhouse furniture for the Borrowers?
6.What might happen to the Borrowers if Mrs. Driver had caught them during her hunt?
7.What lesson does Arrietty learn about curiosity throughout the story?
8.What is one big idea the story teaches about adapting to change?
9.How can you tell that Arrietty was brave even when she was scared?
10.What does the word 'expedition' mean when Pod takes Arrietty on her first borrowing expedition upstairs?
11.What does it mean if Mrs. Driver became 'suspicious' of things happening in the house?
12.If the Borrowers' escape through the drainpipe was 'perilous,' what does that tell you about their journey?
13.If you were a Borrower, what human item would you find most useful to borrow and why?
14.How would you feel if you had to leave your home suddenly and go into an unknown world, like the Borrowers did?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from The Borrowers to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading The Borrowers with children.
What was your favorite part of The Borrowers? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from The Borrowers, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did The Borrowers make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend The Borrowers to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Mary Norton wanted young readers to learn from this story?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is The Borrowers?
The Borrowers by Mary Norton is recommended for grades 1-3 readers with an AR level of 4.3. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for The Borrowers?
ReadBuddy provides 14 carefully crafted comprehension questions for The Borrowers, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use The Borrowers 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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