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

Prologue-Chapter 1.5

Reading Check

1. What is an apologia?

2. Where does the narrator encourage the reader to picture the story’s setting, instead of revealing the real names of locations in the story?

Short Answer

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

1. According to the narrator, why is this book so dangerous?

2. Why does the narrator choose to continue writing the story?

Chapters 2-7

Reading Check

1. What is the name of the wooden box containing vials of scented liquid that Cass and her grandfathers find among the magician’s things?

2. What object are Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais looking for at the magician’s house?

Short Answer

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

1. What is Max-Ernest’s “condition”?

2. How do Cass and Max-Ernest decode the magician’s secret message?

Chapters 8-14

Reading Check

1. What wordplay device does the magician use to code the message in his notebook?

2. What unique, distinguishing physical mark does the magician’s twin brother, Luciano, have?

3. What condition do both Pietro and Luciano share?

4. Who does Cass believe the Golden Lady from Pietro’s story is?