Odder by Katherine Applegat Comprehension Questions

The author compares the shark's mistaken taste of a surfer or sea otter to a human trying new food by using the analogy of grabbing, gulping, and grimacing at the offending item and then spitting it into a napkin, experiencing no harm and no foul.

The author describes the shark's behavior as quickly reconsidering and retreating when it realizes it has mistakenly tasted a surfer or sea otter.

The shark is prowling the waters at daybreak, described as an adolescent— a marine tween— streamlined and strong, but small for his age, and far from his usual haunts today. The author characterizes its hunger as having a way of focusing the mind, and assures that if there is food to be found, the shark will find it.

<p>The text states that the shark typically favors long, sleek swimmers such as sea lions, and is described as being big fans of blubber. Its last meal before the current daybreak prowling was described as a ray and two puny turtles, which was three days ago.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's mother who diligently cares for Odder's survival, including keeping her safe in kelp strands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Grooming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aquarists.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Penguins, sea lions, and octopuses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Energetic and curious.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hope, survival, and the challenges faced by marine animals in the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Buoyant fur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Delirium, recalling memories from her past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shark bite wounds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her energetic and curious nature leads to her fitting name.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Various marine animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She is thriving, but her mother could use a break from her constant movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder and Kairi</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They encounter a great white shark</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She turns back to face the shark to protect her friend</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The shark nips Kairi's tail and then traps and injures Odder in its jaws</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It realizes it made a mistake in attacking an otter</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She hauls herself onto a nearby patch of beach</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Their unpredictable behavior and potentially dangerous jaws make it dangerous</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Barely conscious, she feels relief mixed with regret</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She may not survive the journey back</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The intense struggle and the pain and desperation of Odder</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A poignant and emotional portrayal of the otter's resilience</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The dangers they face in their natural habitat are vividly described</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Three years old</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To maintain distance, as endearing names lead to human interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her mother named her due to her inquisitive nature and restlessness from birth</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>'Odder' is more playful and impulsive, while Kairi is practical and cautious</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Through various sounds and physical gestures, and they have unique ways of sharing information</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They display graceful movements and engage in a bubbly ballet while navigating through the waters</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It offers abundant food and attracts human sightseeing activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Monterey Bay lies beyond the slough, described as a more challenging but rewarding environment for otters, with abundant food sources like succulent crabs</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Eating, grooming, sleeping, play, fun activities like deep diving and wave chasing</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By her energetic and unruly water movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sea otters have a diverse diet, consuming a quarter of their weight daily in various marine creatures, unlike sharks, which can gorge and go for days without food</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Due to their easy charm and photogenic appeal, in contrast to the less popular sharks</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's mother advised her to stay away from sharks, humans, and anything she doesn't understand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 'Fifty' refers to a time when there were only fifty sea otters left, and their population has since grown to around three thousand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder can stay underwater for six to seven minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The sighting of a shark interrupts Odder's storytelling and interactions with Kairi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The shark considers the otters as potential prey, but is uncertain whether they are sea lions or young sea lions due to their graceful movements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They provide insight into the dynamics of the otter community and their encounters with other marine creatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text captures the playful and adventurous nature of Odder and her interactions with her environment, including her encounters with humans and potential threats like sharks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kairi's concern for Odder's safety adds depth to their relationship and the overall narrative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The story provides a glimpse into the world of sea otters, their social dynamics, and the challenges they face in their marine environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder has been relocated to Highwater, an aquarium where otters are kept, multiple times for her interactions with humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder often enjoys building suspense before resurfacing from underwater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kairi is concerned about Odder's interactions with kayakers and scuba divers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder experiences a fading and unraveling of her memories, and a sense of her mother as warmth, food, and safety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder views the caring animals as kind, despite their differences, and they seem to want her to live for some unknowable reason.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The place is becoming Odder's 'home away from home,' and with every passing hour, it becomes harder for her to recall her life before this place, indicating the increasing impact of her surroundings on her life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Over time, Odder can no longer recall the taste of her mother’s milk, suggesting her adaptation to the new environment and the acceptance of the liquid brought to her every three hours, even though it may differ from her mother's milk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder struggles with a dream of a pup's cries and a feeling of restlessness, which leads her to encounter two mesmerizing otters in the bay and feel a strong urge to join them, despite feeling tied to her human caretakers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Despite feeling tied to her human caretakers, Odder decides to leave and swim away after encountering two mesmerizing otters in the bay.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is injured in a shark attack, which leads to her being captured and placed back in captivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels regret for her reckless behavior and promises to be more cautious in the future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>While recovering, Odder reminisces about her time in the wild, searching for her mother, friends, and food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder struggles with rehabilitation in a larger pool, feeling stiff and fumbling, while her physical discomfort and regret weigh heavily on her during recovery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Despite her struggles, Odder holds onto memories of her time in the wild and the freedom she once enjoyed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder reflects on the freedom she enjoyed in the wild and the consequences of one mistake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder reflects on the freedom she enjoyed in the wild and the consequences of one mistake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder struggles with rehabilitation in a larger pool, feeling stiff and fumbling, while her physical discomfort and regret weigh heavily on her during recovery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder reflects on the freedom she enjoyed in the wild and the consequences of one mistake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels regret for her reckless behavior and promises to be more cautious in the future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main theme of Odder's journey to the ocean is growth, independence, and the desire for freedom and exploration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A human, pretending to be an otter, helps Odder overcome her fear and teaches her to navigate the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder has a recurring dream about a trapped pup in the ocean, which haunts her and drives her to help others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's journey to the ocean represents her growth, independence, and desire for freedom and exploration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The story captures Odder's transformation from a hesitant pup to a confident, adventurous otter ready to embrace the challenges of the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder eventually enters the ocean but panics, feeling unprepared for the vastness and uncertainty of the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Older otters train Odder to dive deeper in the tank and eventually be released into the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's experiences in the ocean shape her and make her long for a life beyond the confines of Highwater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is conflicted about leaving the ocean and returning to her previous life at Highwater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is hesitant to enter the ocean before eventually doing so.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is tagged and prepared for release into the ocean by the otters and humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A recurring dream about a trapped pup in the ocean haunts Odder and drives her to help others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is being taught survival skills and how to be an otter by her caretakers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The caretakers are concerned that she may become too attached to humans, affecting her ability to thrive in the wild.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The importance of otters as a keystone species in maintaining the balance of ecosystems is highlighted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The story emphasizes the dedication and effort required to save and prepare a single otter for survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrative portrays the challenges and complexities of rehabilitating and preparing animals for life in the wild.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is being prepared for life in the wild, learning skills such as deep diving and identifying predators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It underscores the significance of each individual animal in maintaining the balance of nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The caretakers are also learning how to best prepare Odder for her return to the wild.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The fate of Odder's mother is unknown, and the caretakers are left to pretend to be otter moms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The caretakers use various methods to entertain and train Odder, including using carwash kelp and real kelp.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder begins to eat solid food and experiences a sense of connection to her life in the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It underscores the significance of each individual animal in maintaining the balance of nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The challenges involve careful handling, the risk of temperature sensitivity, and the need for towels, brushes, combs, and patience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder initially shows fear of exploring below the water's surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder successfully dives and retrieves a clam, pleasing her audience of animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is welcomed by a large, female, silver-tinged otter and surrounded by nosy, elderly otters in the tank.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder experiences conflicting emotions, yearning for familiar surroundings while feeling a sense of belonging with the elderly otters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her daily visits to the large tank lead to effortless joy in deep diving, marking a significant milestone in her development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder dismisses the idea of others like her at Highwater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels overwhelmed by the nosy otters and longs for the safety of her cage and familiar surroundings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The elderly otters reassure Odder, acknowledging her as just a pup and sharing their own experiences at Highwater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels overwhelmed and anxious as she awaits rescue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Determined and resilient nature is highlighted in Odder's character.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The story provides a glimpse into the challenges and milestones in the development of a young otter pup.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels conflicted about leaving the ocean because she feels tied to her human caretakers who had saved her from death and taught her so much, but she also feels drawn to the calm, glassy water and the exuberant way the otters own the waves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrative portrays the challenges and emotional struggles involved in rehabilitating and preparing animals, like Odder the otter, for life in the wild. It highlights the bond between the animal and its human caretakers, as well as the conflicting emotions and uncertainties associated with releasing the animal back into its natural habitat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The author uses the analogy of a human trying new food and mistaking it for something else, to compare the shark's mistaken taste of a surfer or sea otter. This analogy emphasizes the shark's lack of intention to harm the surfer or otter, similar to how a human may mistakenly try a new food thinking it's something else.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's storytelling and interactions with Kairi provide insight into the emotional and psychological struggles of an otter being prepared for release into the ocean. It highlights the internal conflict, attachment to human caretakers, and the natural instincts and desires of the otter in its transition from captivity to the wild.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Otter</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>a shark attack</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Otter's recovery, reunion with old otter friends, and the story of Kairi (Twyla)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>her freedom</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Twyla, and shaking sickness</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>gave birth to a stillborn pup</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the realization that it's not her fault Kairi is there</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>in the water</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>another otter named Kairi (Twyla)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>provides solace in the water</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>being relocated to areas with fewer humans by her former caretakers</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the suffering of Kairi (Twyla)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jazz</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels a sense of relief and acceptance, akin to when she was waiting to die after the shark attack. Emotions of relief and acceptance weigh heavily on her during her recovery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kairi’s scent</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It indicates they have given her a name.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder hisses and screeches in protest, showing her displeasure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kairi reveals that her previous pup died and the new pup was brought to her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is filled with nostalgia and sadness about her own past and her mother's absence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder apologizes to Kairi for putting her in danger in the past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The humans seem more interested in Kairi and the new pup than in Odder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kairi is hesitant to name the new pup, fearing it might bring bad luck.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder expresses concern for the new pup's safety and questions Kairi's decision to keep him in captivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder expresses a desire for freedom, feeling changed by her experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text ends with uncertainty surrounding the purpose of keeping Odder in the pup pool and the humans' intentions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels uncomfortable and ignores the new pup initially.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels relieved when the new pup is taken away in the evening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The aquarists consider recruiting actual otters to teach abandoned pups how to be otters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder realizes her vulnerability and lack of diving skills when interacting with the new pup.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's struggle reflects her fear and uncertainty about her own abilities and past experiences with the humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The interaction highlights the complexity of bonding and caregiving in the otter world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder struggles with the new pup's larger size, louder behavior, and clumsiness, making her uncomfortable at first.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The dream reveals Odder's fear and inadequacy regarding the new pup.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The pup's continued presence challenges Odder's perception of herself and her relationship with Kairi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The meeting reflects the aquarists' concern and effort to help Jazz, the adult otter, accept the new pup.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It signifies Odder's realization of her own vulnerability and lack of diving skills when interacting with the new pup.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The pup's helplessness makes Odder question her own past experiences with the humans and her own abilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels conflicted about leaving her human caretakers whom she owes everything, while also feeling drawn to the ocean and the exuberant way the otters own the waves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The otter-teacher reassures the human caretaker by telling him to be hopeful, knowing that he has taught Odder well and that she is ready for this moment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text uses imagery of Odder diving into a world where the human caretaker will never belong, describing her dive as a hypnotizing cyclone of fur and bubbles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is influenced by the dream she had, the calm, glassy water inviting her to take a chance, and the exuberant way the otters own the waves, along with feeling tied to her human caretakers but sensing that it is simply time to swim away.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>shark attack and injuries</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>exercise</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jazz</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>waiting to die after the shark attack</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the fact that she will be spared the threats of ocean life</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kairi’s scent</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>her own fur</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>displeasure</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>otter being brought to Highwater for safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>worry for Odder's well-being</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>they will never leave Highwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Otter</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Otter's recovery, reunion with old otter friends, and the heartbreaking story of Kairi (Twyla)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Memories of her search for her mother, friends, sharks, food, and humans</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Water in a larger rooftop pool</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Another otter named Kairi, who is now called Twyla and has suffered from the shaking sickness</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Giving birth to a stillborn pup after being found beached</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Knowing Kairi's suffering</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Emotional and physical struggles, reunion with old otter friends, and the heartbreaking story of Kairi (Twyla)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In the water, particularly in a larger rooftop pool</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The realization that it's not her fault Kairi is there</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Desire for release into the ocean</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Feeling regret for her recklessness and reflecting on the one mistake that led to a life-altering shark attack</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder experiences nostalgia and sadness about her own past and her mother's absence while also feeling curiosity and concern for the new addition to their group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Seeing Kairi and the new pup share a loving bond makes Odder reflect on her own past and her experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder is unsettled by the humans' apparent lack of interest in her and their focus on Kairi and the new pup.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder starts to question her own identity and expresses a desire for freedom, feeling changed by her experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text ends with uncertainty surrounding the purpose of keeping Odder in the pup pool and the humans' intentions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nostalgia and sadness about her past and her mother's absence weigh heavily on Odder during her recovery in the larger pool.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder questions Kairi about the decision to keep the new pup in captivity, expressing concern for his safety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kairi's hesitation to name the new pup adds to the narrative by introducing a fear of bad luck and adding an element of uncertainty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder apologizes to Kairi for putting her in danger in the past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The humans refer to Odder and Kairi by new names, 'Jazz' and 'Twyla,' which the otters find unsettling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder expresses regret for her reckless behavior and makes a promise for the future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels changed by her experiences and begins to question her own identity, expressing a desire for freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels uncomfortable with the new pup, who is larger, louder, and clumsier than Kairi's pup. She also feels pressure from the humans to perform and is relieved when the pup is taken away in the evening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's dream about the pup drowning expresses her fear and inadequacy to Kairi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's struggle to bond with the new pup reflects her fear and uncertainty about her own abilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's tentative interaction with the pup on the fifth day signifies her realization of her vulnerability and lack of diving skills.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The interaction between Odder and the new pup highlights the complexity of bonding and caregiving in the otter world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The aquarists consider the idea of recruiting actual otters to teach abandoned pups how to be otters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The pup's helplessness makes Odder question her own past experiences with the humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder feels pressure from the humans to perform and is relieved when the pup is taken away in the evening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The pup's continued presence challenges Odder's perception of herself and her relationship with Kairi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Odder's struggle to bond with the new pup reflects her fear and uncertainty about her own abilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers