Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-15

Reading Check

1. How much will Alan and Joe give Billy if he wins the bet?

2. What is the main reason Alan does not want Billy to win the bet?

3. Why do Alan and Joe keep sneezing while Billy eats the fourth worm?

4. What does Billy say about Tom after Tom backs out of eating a worm?

5. What finally makes Billy believe he’s been poisoned by worms?

6. What is really causing Billy’s stomach to hurt?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What causes Alan and Joe to challenge Billy to eat 15 worms?

2. Why does Billy agree to Alan and Joe’s bet?

3. What is one example of how Billy either outsmarts or tackles the bets he makes with Alan and Joe?

4. What does Billy realize as he eats the second worm, which he’s doused in ketchup and mustard?

Paired Resource

“Meet Thomas Rockwell, Author of How to Eat Fried Worms”

• A 2-minute video interview with Thomas Rockwell
• Does hearing from the author make you more excited to find out what happens in this novel? Why?