This category involves thinking analytically about a story. How did the author write it? What is your opinion about it?
Is it interesting? If so, what exactly made the story interesting? If it isn't interesting, what should the author have done differently?
Is it confusing? What parts are confusing? What makes it so confusing? How could the author have made it easier to understand? How DID the author make it easier to understand?
Are there any funny or sad parts? What makes it so funny or sad?
Do the pictures help tell the story? What information do they add?
Are the characters believable? Do they seem like real people? Do they talk like real people? Give examples.
What kind of person is this character? What words describe him or her? How do you know that?
Does the story arch make sense? Does the ending seem appropriate? Why do you think so?
Is this story similar to other books the author has written? What seems the same?
Is this story similar to other books in the series? What seems the same?
What is the author really trying to say in this book? Does the author have a message or a life lesson? How do you know that?
Would you recommend this book to someone else? Why or why not? What type of person would enjoy this book?
Do you think the characters made good choices? What would you have done in their shoes? Why?
Would YOU want to be a character in the story? Why or why not?
Are the characters like anyone you know?
How would the story be different if the setting was different? What if it were written in a different time period? What if it were written in a different country?
What does this story remind you of? Does it remind you of another book, something about your life, or something you know about the world?
What questions do you think of as you read? Did your questions get answered?
Like the skill of inferring, the best way to practice this skill is to simply ask your child to retell a book, a section, a chapter, or even a paragraph. Then ask the all-important question: What do you think about that?