A Mystery Man [Nightmare on the Tracks, #1]

What did Veronica do to annoy James?

• Sing a song

• Jump on the bed

• Turn off the lights

• Hide his toys

What was the man wearing who appeared in James's room?

• Blue denim overalls

• A red shirt

• A black suit

• A white dress

Fill in the blank: James was ______ years old.

• six

• seven

• eight

• nine

Fill in the blank: James's grandmother sang a song about ______.

• John Henry

• trains

• animals

• summer

Fill in the blank: The man in James's room was ______ and muscular.

• tall

• short

• thin

• small

Fill in the blank: James's chest clenched like a ______.

• fist

• rock

• balloon

• feather

What conclusion can be drawn from the evidence that Veronica sings about John Henry during dinner and every meal after that?

• Veronica's constant singing about John Henry adds to James' frustration about the upcoming trip.

• Veronica enjoys eating quietly at dinner with her family and James as a way to relax.

• James wants to hear Veronica sing their Grandfather's song about John Henry more often.

• It is very easy for James to fall asleep, even when it is at a Friday dinner with his family.

The strange man who appears next to James' bed wears blue denim overalls and work boots, and carries a hammer. Based on this description, what can you infer about him?

• He probably works in an office with other people.

• He probably works outside or makes things with his hands.

• He probably is a scientist who works inside a lab.

• He probably likes singing songs and playing music.

As used in this excerpt, what does the word "determined" most closely mean?

• A. angry and annoyed

• B. careful and nervous

• C. scared and tearful

• D. committed and sure

According to James, what does James' grandfather talk a lot about?