The Pencil Bandit Review

1. Part A: In paragraph 9, what does the word "culprit" most closely mean?

• A helpful friend

• A secret admirer

• A mischievous intruder

• A diligent worker

1. 1. Part B: Which part of the story helps you understand the meaning of the word?

• Louisa's frustration with her missing pencils

•  Isabella's denial of taking the pencil

• The squirrel running away with the pencil

• Louisa's habit of writing in her journal

2: Part A: In paragraph 7, the phrase "made the rounds" most closely means:

•  Studied thoroughly

• Visited many places

• Created a plan

• Organized her belongings

2. 2. Part B: Which sentence from the story provides context for understanding the phrase?

• "The distraction of a missing pencil made it impossible even to begin writing."

• "Entering Isabella’s room, Louisa sweetly asked, 'Izzy, did you take one of the pencils on my desk?'"

• "Mom almost immediately changed the subject."

• "She made the rounds in her home, investigating each family member."

3. Part A: Based on the story, what does the incident with the squirrel reveal about Louisa?

• She is easily frightened by unexpected noises.

• She prefers to solve problems on her own.

•  She is very attached to her belongings.

• She has a habit of interacting with animals.

3. 3. Part B: Which part of the story supports the answer to Part A?

• "After school the next day, Louisa was surprised to notice a slight queasiness in her stomach as she approached her bedroom." (Paragraph 6)

• "The trio of pencils seemed to taunt Louisa as she contemplated what might have happened to the missing pair." (Paragraph 7)

•  "A squirrel was standing on her desk and holding one of her pencils in its front paws." (Paragraph 9)

•  "Fast as lightning, the squirrel—still holding Louisa’s pencil—leaped onto the windowsill, out the hole in the screen, and up a tree." (Paragraph 14)

4. Which event foreshadows the solution to the missing pencils?

• Louisa's interaction with Isabella in her room.

•  Louisa's frustration with her mother's negligence.

• Louisa's observation of wood shavings on the windowsill.

• Louisa's search for the missing pencils in her home.

5. What can be inferred about Louisa's character from the story?

• Louisa is easily frightened by small animals.

• Louisa is diligent and determined to solve problems.

• Louisa is quick to blame her family members for her problems.

• Louisa is often disorganized and forgetful.

6. Louisa can be best characterized as

• Frustrated and Helpful

• Suspicious and Trusting

• Studious and organize

• Dramatic and unrealistic

7. Part A: How does Louisa's reaction to the missing pencils change over time?

•  She becomes increasingly frustrated and upset with her family.

•  She decides to give up on finding the missing pencils.

• She becomes more determined to solve the mystery behind the disappearance.

• She blames herself for not taking better care of her belongings.