The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett Comprehension Questions

The mason climbed to the highest level of the roof.

The morning was described as spring in Chicago, with no wind, new leaves, black earth and lilac smells, and children's voices from the nearby school.

A chunk of brick broke loose from the chimney, causing the mason to lose his footing.

He experienced a shudder, saw the roof rippling, and felt the building twitching as if it had come alive.

The name of Tommy's stepfather is not mentioned in the text.

Ms. Hussey discusses the Robie House as a potential piece of art.

Tommy lives near the Robie House, which is set to be torn apart.

Tommy's mother, Zelda Segovia, has unique features and works at the library.

Tommy observes the unique architecture of the Robie House.

Tommy has a passion for collecting various items, especially fish-related objects.

An ambulance takes a mason from the Robie House to the hospital.

Tommy has a special connection to fish and collects various fish-related items.

Tommy considers sneaking into the garden of the Robie House.

Tommy, Calder, and Petra have a strained interaction after class.

Tommy's real dad died in South America after being arrested at a political demonstration.

Tommy contemplates his potential discovery in the garden of the Robie House.

His old house was painted green and the bushes where he and his friend buried treasures were gone.

Calder is different now, with tied sneakers and a new friend named Petra.

Petra is described as having curly hair, thick glasses, and small, quick hands.

Ms. Isabel Hussey.

Ms. Hussey's classroom is adorned with newspaper articles, quotes, and paper footprints of all sizes.

A quote by John Dewey about art as communication.

A quote by Norman Maclean about seeing the invisible.

Calder and Petra discovered a stolen painting by Vermeer.

Tommy believes he would have been a better finder and feels he missed out on significant glory by being away for a year.

The story sets the stage for a mystery involving art, friendship, and finding oneself.

Ms. Hussey is the teacher in Tommy's class. She exhibits unusual behavior and discusses the concept of 'plunder in the name of salvation.'

The newspaper article reveals that the Robie House will be cut into sections and donated to museums due to structural issues.

The Robie House is considered a masterpiece of twentieth-century architecture and a significant part of American domestic architecture.

Tommy's mother took a job at the University of Chicago’s library, prompting their move back to Chicago.

Tommy is struggling to cope with the embarrassment of his stepfather's involvement in a theft and subsequent death, which led to their move to New York and then back to Chicago.

The fate of the Robie House prompts discussion and contemplation among the students.

Denise Dodge, a student, seems disinterested in the discussion about the Robie House.

Tommy shares his thoughts about the Robie House's fate with his friend, Petra.

The house was owned by three families before being bought by the Chicago Theological Seminary, which allowed it to fall into disrepair.

Ms. Hussey's unusual behavior and discussion about life and art prompts confusion among the students.

Tommy's family moved to New York due to his stepfather's involvement in a theft, and his subsequent death.

Some students express differing opinions about Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House in the class discussion.

Frank Lloyd Wright

The university announced the decision to dismantle the house due to financial constraints and safety concerns.

The university defended its decision as a move to provide access to Wright's work for millions of people worldwide.

A crew has begun planning the dismantling, which will start on June 21

The house has been closed to visitors for over a year, and no family has lived there since 1926.

Ms. Hussey, the teacher, is deeply affected by the news and shares her personal thoughts on the matter with the class.

The Robie House is the only structure Wright fought to save, and it embodies his unique architectural vision.

The Robie House is described as a revolutionary piece of architecture with innovative design elements.

In 1957, the seminary declared the house dangerous and planned to tear it down, but Wright persuaded a developer to buy it.

Wright's focus on play space in the design is seen as ironic given his personal circumstances at the time.

The house was used for office space and was later deeded to the University of Chicago, which remodeled the interior.

leaving Hyde Park in shock.

The concept of 'collaborative problem-solving' refers to the ability of individuals to work together to solve problems that they could not have solved on their own. It is exemplified by the way Calder and Petra were able to accomplish things together that neither could have done alone, as mentioned in the passage.

Petra realizes that she unintentionally leaves out Tommy when she uses the word 'both' in her conversation with Calder. She hadn't meant to exclude him but becomes aware of it after saying it.

Calder wonders why he didn't invite Petra in as he stands in his front door after Petra leaves. He has a moment of contemplation regarding his decision.

After seeing Calder off, Petra goes to her bedroom and looks through a pile of dirty clothes to find the jeans she wore the day she picked up her copy of The Invisible Man. She then opens the book and looks at the words highlighted in orange: 'an unheard-of piece of luck.'

Petra finds a book with an underlined passage and wonders about its significance

Calder plays with a set of pentominoes, given by Mrs. Sharpe

Calder contemplates the words 'Life & Art' and ponders their meaning

Tommy finds a mysterious carved stone and shares it with Calder

Calder daydreams about using pentominoes for educational purposes

The narrative hints at a developing mystery involving the characters and their discoveries

The setting and activities suggest a focus on mystery, creativity, and friendship

The narrative builds tension and anticipation for further developments

The insights into the characters' personalities and relationships provide insights

The clues and details in the text contribute to the story's unfolding mystery

Calder experiments with arranging pentominoes and experiences a sense of déjà vu

The text offers clues and details that contribute to the story's unfolding mystery

The Invisible Man

epiphany

Calder

sexist comment

less

narrative

mystery, friendship, self-image, and personal growth

sensory details and introspective thoughts

the book

her appearance

The Invisible Man

the Robie House

Calder

Petra

pentominoes

Tommy

Henry Dare

Henry Dare

supernatural or unexplained events

the Robie House

the building doesn't want them there

characters exploring its potential significance and experiencing strange occurrences

Calder

a flicker of light

Accidents and hearing a mysterious child's voice

Whether the building is trying to communicate with him and feels a connection to the house

Petra reads 'The Invisible Man,' published in 1897, and ponders if Frank Lloyd Wright had read the book

The story begins with a stranger's arrival at an English country inn during a snowstorm

The stranger's actions and demeanor

The innkeeper encounters a bizarre and unsettling sight when he enters the stranger's room

Eerie and unexplained events

The museum plan for the house

The stranger being bitten by a dog

His presence and actions

The house

The stranger's peculiar behavior and appearance

epiphany

They had markings that were like two eyes and a mouth, surrounded by a flush of cheerful color. She noticed that the more you looked at less, the more less became more.

Silly, the idea of a pansy being frightening. It occurred to her that the more you looked at less, the more less became more.

On a day like this, every detail felt deliberate and extraordinary. Petra tucked this idea away for later.

The man without a face is called 'The Old Man'.

Tommy's comment about girls not eating pastries hurts Petra.

Ms. Hussey announces the field trip to the Robie House.

Ms. Hussey asks the students to assess whether the Robie House is art.

The characters' interactions and emotions drive the narrative.

The narrative builds anticipation for the upcoming field trip to the Robie House.

The setting and characters' actions reveal the personalities and relationships of the characters.

The text captures the complexities of friendship and the challenges of adolescence.

The students prepare for the field trip to the Robie House.

Tommy gets into a food fight with Calder at school.

Petra finds solace in a lucky coincidence.

Calder tries to involve Petra in a discussion about a fish carving found at the Robie House.

Ms. Hussey instructs them to sketch and take notes around the building.

Petra witnesses a shadow inside the house, and she and Calder agree not to tell anyone about what they saw.

They learn that the house is condemned and dangerous.

Tommy observes the class from his apartment and notices Calder sketching on the balcony.

Several kids appear around the back of the house, but no one stays there.

Petra feels uncomfortable studying art and settles down to sketch outside the garage.

Petra admires the complex architecture of the house.

The building seems inviting yet simultaneously pushes people away.

Petra witnesses a window of the house swinging open.

He informs them that the house is condemned and dangerous.

Ms. Hussey leaves a note for Tommy to wait in the middle school library.

They agree not to tell anyone about what they saw.

Comparing the house to a priceless painting

Explore the house further and think of new ideas

The possibility of the house being alive

Research the house and think creatively

At his apartment

If he has seen anything strange from his window

Inviting them up to his apartment

Further exploration and the students' evolving relationships

The Robie House

Tommy, Ms. Hussey, Calder, and Petra

The students' evolving relationships

Think creatively

Tommy finds a stone carving of a dragon-fish and wonders about its origins.

He imagines the carving may have been part of a family art collection stolen from the Robie House's wealthy residents long ago.

Tommy considers the rules on discovering art treasures near a deserted house and compares it to recovering items from shipwrecks.

He impulsively drops it into his pet fish, Goldman's, bowl.

Tommy's teacher, Ms. Hussey, questions him about the secrets he mentioned.

Tommy's interest in the Robie House stems from his new proximity to it as his family's neighbor.

He envisions the house as an exciting place to live, filled with opportunities for exploration and adventure.

The text captures Tommy's imaginative and curious nature, his attachment to his discoveries, and his unique perspective on the Robie House.

Tommy's perspective on the Robie House differs from some of his classmates' views, as he sees it as inviting and full of potential.

He is drawn to the idea of the house having secrets, reflecting his fascination with mysterious and slightly dangerous elements in books.

At school, Tommy joins a discussion about whether the Robie House qualifies as a piece of art, contributing his thoughts on the YES and NO columns.

Tommy disagrees with the NO column's opinions and adds his own perspective, emphasizing the house's potential for adventure and secrets.

Petra believes the house is signaling the number three to her when she sees the three-part shape in the window.

Petra confides in Calder about her belief that the house heard her thoughts and responded to her.

Petra claims to have sent a silent message of sympathy to the house and believes the house responded by showing her the three-part shape in the window.

Petra realizes that the house's response was meant for her, and she is surprised and intrigued by this realization.

1.618

1 to 1.618

Spiral shapes like leaves, shells, pineapples, and seed heads

Calder

Describing the building as if it took a deep breath and sighed

Due to the building's instability

Henry Dare

Save it

The meeting with the mason

The Fibonacci sequence, the Golden Ratio, and the protagonist's involvement in solving a mystery related to the Robie House

It is considered aesthetically pleasing

After school the next day

They connect the number three to the date June third and the repetition of threes in their findings.

Calder learns about Fibonacci numbers and their sequence.

Calder realizes the potential connection between the Fibonacci sequence and their research to save the Robie House.

Petra questions Calder about Tommy's credibility regarding a story about a hand.

Calder shares his unusual experiences with pentominoes, including finding specific shapes and patterns linked to the Robie House and The Invisible Man.

Calder recalls Tommy's discovery of a stone fish in the garden, hinting that it may hold significance in their research to save the house.

Calder turns to his mother for information about the connection between the numbers 3, 5, and 21, learning about Fibonacci numbers and their sequence.

Calder confronts Tommy about the fish, urging him to share information and collaborate in their efforts to save the house.

Calder turns to his mother for information about the connection between the numbers 3, 5, and 21, learning about Fibonacci numbers and their sequence.

The conversation shifts to Tommy's behavior, and Petra questions Calder about Tommy's credibility regarding a story about a hand.

They contemplate the possibility of the Robie House and The Invisible Man communicating with them through patterns.

Calder shares his unusual experiences with pentominoes, including finding specific shapes and patterns linked to the Robie House and The Invisible Man.

The stranger is doing scientific experiments, often cursing and breaking bottles in his room.

Calder visits Henry Dare in the hospital and discusses the Robie House's mysterious movements.

Tommy and his mom watch the movie 'Rear Window,' which is about a photographer witnessing suspicious behavior in an apartment.

Calder notices a potential pattern connecting the fish, the invisible man book, and Henry Dare's story.

Petra, Calder, and Tommy each walk to different parts of Hyde Park, forming a triangle.

Henry Dare mentions feeling invisible and a fish-like twitch in the house.

The text sets the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful plot with interconnected events and characters.

The text is part of a book called 'The Calder Game' with suspense and mysterious happenings.

Petra suspects Tommy is hiding something in his fishbowl and forms a plan with Calder.

Tommy and his mom watch the movie 'Rear Window,' which is about a photographer witnessing suspicious behavior in an apartment.

Petra imagines the thrill of being invisible and feels better, arranging to meet Mrs. Sharpe for tea.

The characters are engaged in solving a mystery related to the Robie House and the strange occurrences.

Calder initially considers asking Tommy and Petra to accompany him to the hospital, but decides to go alone because he doesn't want to worry them about his mother's condition.

Zelda Segovia shares a connection between their new apartment and the Robie House, mentioning a murder and a movie called 'Rear Window.'

Petra feels a strange connection to a book she's reading and decides to visit their neighbor, Mrs. Sharpe.

Calder hesitates to visit Mrs. Sharpe without Tommy, but suggests Petra go alone and compare notes later.

Petra seeks distraction in 'The Invisible Man' book and notices the progression of the story.

The book reveals the anger and violence of the invisible man, and Petra becomes absorbed in the book to avoid feeling sad.

The storyline of 'The Invisible Man' becomes a source of distraction and intrigue for Petra, and it reveals the characters' emotional states.

Tommy expresses frustration to his goldfish, Goldman, and his mother, and plans to watch 'Rear Window' with her.

Petra feels hurt and questions their friendship dynamics, blaming Tommy for the situation.

Tommy plans to watch 'Rear Window' with his mother, and Petra feels a strange connection to a book she's reading.

Calder initially considers asking Tommy and Petra to accompany him to the hospital, but decides to go alone because he doesn't want to worry them about his mother's condition.

Petra notices the progression of the story in 'The Invisible Man' and becomes absorbed in the book to avoid feeling sad.

Ms. Hussey announced that a group of prominent individuals would be visiting and evaluating the Robie House, which validates the students' efforts and attracts attention to the house's preservation efforts.

Tommy realized that Ms. Hussey was an awesome teacher and fighting for the Robie House might be the best thing that had ever happened to him, which changed his perception of the situation.

Ms. Hussey ordered pizza for lunch to celebrate the news about the Robie House, which reveals that she prioritizes acknowledging and celebrating the students' efforts over adhering strictly to academic tasks.

The announcement about the evaluation of the Robie House reinforced Tommy's determination and commitment to not give up on fighting for the house, solidifying his attitude towards the cause.

Calder reveals information about the mason who fell and his experience with the Fibonacci sequence.

The text indicates a sense of mystery and potential danger surrounding the stone fish and the Robie House.

The story introduces themes of trust, secrecy, and potential hidden motives among the characters.

Tommy intends to sell the stone fish for financial stability.

A sudden storm causes chaos, and Petra loses her notebook.

Petra shares her visit with Mrs. Sharpe and the Nantucket ghost story.

A tap-scrape-tap on the glass startles the three kids in the tree house.

Tommy recalls a mysterious man at the Robie House.

Calder wonders about the stone fish's connection to Frank Lloyd Wright.

Tommy discovers a stone fish in the Robie House garden.

Goldman

They discuss creating a new code for note-taking to protect their secrets.

Rear Window

Tommy hesitates to share his discovery of a stone fish in the Robie House garden.

'I M' scratches

'A Man' representing the three of them

Footsteps

Solving a puzzling mystery

The Wright Sandwich Code

Tommy and Petra

Medici Bakery

A magic trick with coins

At a train underpass

The purpose of their outing and the connection between the two adults

A giveaway box outside a bookstore

At a train underpass at the end of the block

The mysterious activities of Ms. Hussey and Mr. Dare

To follow Ms. Hussey and Mr. Dare

Fifty-ninth Street

At a train underpass

The Lucky Stone tradition symbolizes trust and connection within the class. It serves as a unifying symbol and creates a sense of camaraderie among the students.

The emotional goodbyes signify the deep bond between the students and Ms. Hussey. It reflects the impact she has had on their lives and the strong emotional connection they share with her.

The tree house serves as a place of refuge and creativity for the kids. Their lunchtime conversation showcases their determination and commitment to their goals, as well as their close friendship.

The creation of 'The Wright 3' is motivated by the kids' determination to save the Robie House. The group symbolizes trust and unity, representing their collaborative efforts and shared goals.

The kids decide to eliminate 'red herrings' as a group strategy to focus their efforts on relevant clues and information. It is important because it helps them streamline their investigation and avoid distractions.

Calder's transition reflects a mix of emotions as he moves from the structured environment of school to the freedom of summer. It influences his outlook and sets the stage for the events to come.

The departure of university students and kids going to camp creates a quiet atmosphere in the neighborhood, signaling the transition to summer and setting the stage for new adventures.

Calder's parents' disbelief in camp reflects their parenting style and their desire for Calder to have different experiences. It impacts Calder's summer plans and his relationship with his parents.

The kids' determination reflects their commitment to preserving the Robie House. It drives their actions and decision-making, showcasing their passion and dedication.

The group 'The Wright 3' symbolizes unity, trust, and teamwork. Its impact lies in the way it strengthens the kids' collaborative efforts and fosters a sense of solidarity.

The idea of eliminating 'red herrings' involves the kids focusing on relevant clues and information. It plays a crucial role in guiding their investigative efforts and maintaining their focus.

The lunch plans and visit to the tree house serve as a bonding experience for the kids and hold significance in shaping their relationships and the unfolding of the story.

Petra

a parade of large horses, camels, and muscle men stepping on angry gnomes

BUDDHIST PAGODA, 724 A.D.

one of the statues

The protagonist, Tommy

Personal sacrifice, ethical dilemmas, and the value of art and heritage

It should be used to save the Robie House

Selling it to a museum to save the Robie House

Pretending to have found the carving in the Japanese Garden

He reflects on his mother's perspective on family and home

He recalls Ms. Hussey's stories about Wright's determination and resilience despite personal tragedies and financial hardships

He decides to sell the fish, believing it would help him become a successful finder and provide a home for his family

The significance of the discovery

Each reflects on the significance of the discovery

An invisible something

Fallingwater is a house in Pennsylvania, and the Robie House sits on a waterfall crest

Tommy admitted lying, and he actually found the fish in the Japanese Garden

Petra suggested selling the fish to save the Robie House, but Tommy was reluctant, feeling it wasn't what Wright would want

Calder hinted at the possibility that Wright saved the house due to the carp-dragon story rather than just for the house itself. Petra accused Tommy of wanting to sell the fish for personal gain

Petra accused Tommy of wanting to sell the fish for personal gain, leading to a heated exchange between the trio

The trio climbed to the tree house, where Tommy admitted lying about finding the fish in the Robie House garden

Calder was influenced by Wright's childhood fascination with math tools

The temple was built on Wooded Island, a small part of Chicago, during a world’s fair. Millions of people visited Hyde Park during the fair, making it plausible for someone to have dropped the jade fish there

Wright mentioned leaving an invisible code in the Robie House. Petra found two copies of The Invisible Man

Wright's code could possibly involve repeating shapes or be imprinted in the brickwork

Tommy was reluctant, feeling it wasn't what Wright would want

Petra found two copies of The Invisible Man, and Wright had mentioned leaving an invisible code in the Robie House

Calder thinks Wright's code could possibly involve repeating shapes or be imprinted in the brickwork

himself with the jade fish talisman

Mr. Dare

a mystery attached to the house

the trouble that might arise

the conversation between Ms. Hussey and Mr. Dare

their curiosity and potential significance of their discovery

Frank Lloyd Wright and his connection to the jade fish talisman

Tommy

their involvement in the mystery and potential significance of their discovery

Wright coded himself into the structure of the house with the fish

it fell on the south side of the house

a large teapot and detailed prints by Japanese artist Hokusai

His apartment ransacked, with broken dishes and missing fish

Goldman

Mr. Dare and the crew

Zelda Segovia, Tommy's mom

Changes the lock, adds a heavy bolt, and cleans up the apartment

A new bowl

Tommy's emotional turmoil and bond with his pet fish

Comfort and a sense of relief

In a corner of the fishbowl under the bed

Calder

Keeping the missing jade fish a secret from his mom

The fish escapes and disappears

Black Glasses and his accomplice

Calder punched and kicked, Tommy bit, and Petra shrieked

Black Glasses accused the kids of nosiness, and Petra responded by saying they were just kids from the neighborhood

Black Glasses threatened to break a few arms, and the Wright 3 stopped moving in response to the threat

The Wright 3 consisting of Tommy, Petra, and Calder

They planned to return at night and commit arson to cover their tracks

Henry Dare, a former crew member

A treasure hunt in the Art Institute

A valuable carving

The establishment of the Wright Fund and plans for the Robie House's renovation

President Stone of the University of Chicago

Zelda Segovia, Tommy, and his family

The part of Frank Lloyd Wright coded into the Robie House

Bravery, friendship, and the preservation of historical landmarks

The restoration process and the community's response to the Robie House's rescue

Future potential adventures

Ms. Hussey, Mrs. Sharpe, and Mr. Dare.

Petra brought a copy of The Invisible Man and found the clue: 'IF A MAN WAS MADE OF GLASS HE WOULD STILL BE VISIBLE.'

A man-shaped figure, which they identified as Frank Lloyd Wright's code.

Calder identified the figure as a Fibonacci man, with measurements corresponding to Fibonacci numbers, relating it to the thirteen days it took to save the house and their upcoming thirteenth birthdays.

The archivist found an entry about the purchase of a small jade fish and the intention to keep it.

The children, along with Mrs. Sharpe.

The kids are tied up by two men planning to set the house on fire to get rid of them.

The kids try to communicate using a code to foil the attackers’ plans.

A scuffle breaks out, allowing them to overpower one of the attackers.

The kids escape through a window onto the roof, where they are pursued by one of the men.

The man tries to catch the kids as they cling to each other in fear.

They are left wondering if they should let go of each other to survive.

Thin Head being thrown off the roof

petty criminals who faked their credentials to work at the Robie House

the great-grandson of the mason who built the house with Frank Lloyd Wright

the value of the Wright 3 to them

the kids' efforts in saving the house

The fish belongs to the university, and it was long gone

the jade talisman

They are arrested

by a fire truck

He lied about finding the fish in the Japanese Garden and feels bad for trespassing

They reflect on the symbolism of losing and gaining things

the symbolism of losing and gaining things