The Scarlet Ibis - Guided Reading Questions

The narrator uses a surprising word to describe Doodle as a younger brother: (a)  

• Fragile
• Brilliant
• Burden
• Joyful

Why did the family think Doodle would not survive as an infant?

• He was born with a heart condition.

• He was born with a physical disability.

• He was born prematurely.

• He was born with a rare disease.

Doodle got his nickname because (a)  

• His brother gave it to him
• He chose it himself
• His parents called him that
• It was his real name

One mean thing Doodle’s brother did to him as a child was that he (a)  

• He taught him to walk.
• He left him alone in the woods.
• He made him swim in the river.
• He read him bedtime stories.

How long does it take Doodle to learn to walk? What does this show about BOTH brothers?

• A few days

• A few weeks

• A few months

• A few years

Doodle’s brother cries when everyone hugs him for teaching Doodle to walk because:

• He is overwhelmed with emotion.

• He is sad about Doodle's condition.

• He feels guilty for pushing Doodle too hard.

• He is embarrassed by the attention.

Doodle is fascinated with the dead scarlet ibis in their yard because:

• It reminds him of himself.

• He loves birds.

• He is curious about death.

• He wants to keep it as a pet.

Guided Reading: Answer the following questions about the story as you read. How do you think Doodle died? To what extent do you think his brother is responsible for his death?

• Doodle died due to natural causes.

• Doodle died because of an accident.

• Doodle died due to his brother's actions.

• Doodle's death was a combination of natural causes and his brother's actions.

Doodle’s death mirrored that of the scarlet ibis’s in which way?

• Both died in a storm.

• Both were found in a similar position.

• Both were injured by a predator.

• Both died of old age.

What is going through the narrator’s head at the end of the story as he holds his dead brother in his arms?

• He feels a deep sense of loss and regret.

• He is relieved that his brother is finally at peace.

• He is angry at the world for taking his brother away.

• He is numb and unable to process his emotions.