5th - Reading Wish Giver Jug-A-Rum p. 45-71

Question 0

Why did Leland and Lenora think Rowena was acting strangely? Why is the detail about Rowena included in this part of the story?

Answer 0

1. The twins saw Rowena standing in the middle of that little grove of trees out in back of her house. She seemed to be talking to somebody but they didn’t see anyone. p.46
2. The twins thought that Polly’s croaking wasn’t the only strange thing going on in Coven Tree. p.46

Question 1

Why was Polly “deep-down scared” when she awoke the next morning? Why did she breathe a sigh of relief?

Answer 1

1. Because twice yesterday, the only sound she had been able to make was a bullfrog deep jug-a-rum. And even now she was afraid to open her mouth for fear that the drop sound would come. p.45
2. When she opened her mouth and spoke words came out. At least for now, she had the power of speech. p.45

Question 2

What conclusion did Lenora draw about Polly’s croaking?

Answer 2

Lenora draws the conclusion that every time Polly starts giving somebody what for, some kind of power pulls you up short and makes you begin croaking instead of talking. p.49-50

Question 3

Why does Polly accept Agatha’s invitation?

Answer 3

Polly’s stubborn pride makes her accept Agatha’s invitation. She decides that even if they were plotting against her, she would show them she could be a real lady even if she croaked like a frog until she was old and gray. p.55

Question 4

In what ways had Polly’s wish literally come true?

Answer 4

Agatha had invited her to her house for tea. p.56

Question 5

Why did Olivia seem puzzled by Polly’s remarks on the playground?

Answer 5

Olivia was surprised by Polly’s compliment concerning her dress. It was the first kind words she had ever heard Polly say. p. 58

Question 6

Why did Polly decide “to be friendly even if it killed her”? How did Polly’s classmates react to her change in attitude?

Answer 6

1. Polly didn’t want to start croaking again so she decided that there was no way anybody was going to make her say anything mean. p.57
2. They were abuzz wondering what had come over Polly. The classmates included Polly in their games, asked for her help. p.58-59

Question 7

Why were Agatha and Eunice disappointed with Polly, their guest at the tea party?

Answer 7

Agatha and Eunice were disappointed because the whole purpose of inviting Polly was to get her riled, so she’d look like a fool and they could laugh at her. But Polly was being all cool and calm and polite.

Question 8

Why was Polly disappointed by the tea party?

Answer 8

Now that Polly was there, and it wasn’t at all the pleasant thing she expected. It was boring. They didn’t like to do the kinds of things Polly did.