Ruby Holler

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

Chapters 1-15

Reading Check

1. What is the name of the facility Dallas and Florida live in with Mr. and Mrs. Trepid?

2. Who listens to the 60-year-old man when he complains about his repetitive life?

3. Where do the Moreys live?

Short Answer

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

1. How do Mr. and Mrs. Trepid treat those they care for? What examples support your response?

2. Why are Dallas and Florida hesitant to go with Mr. and Mrs. Morey? What eventually motivates them to remain at Ruby Holler for a time?

3. How does the thinking of Dallas and Florida reveal what they want from life?

4. What are the adjustments the Moreys, Dallas, and Florida must make because of their new living situation?

Paired Resource

“The Elephant, the Rider, and the Path”

• This 2-minute video explores the difficulty of behavioral change.
• The content of this video connects to the themes of The Fear of Separation; Trouble, Punishment, and Redemption; and Escape and the Pursuit of Freedom.
• What makes change difficult? What mindsets and behaviors might the twins and the Moreys need to overcome to live together? How do their emotions dictate their thinking?

“The Social Norm”

• This 10-minute video describes social groups and social norms.
• It may be most efficient to watch to 7 minutes.
• Shared themes include The Fear of Separation and Trouble, Punishment, and Redemption.
• How do families function as a social group? Why might Florida and Dallas have difficulty understanding the social norms of the Moreys? How are the Moreys different from other caregivers they have encountered?

Chapters 16-32

Reading Check

1. Who died in the care of Mr. and Mrs. Trepid?

2. What does Mrs. Trepid want money from the Moreys for?

3. Who does Mr. Trepid pay to discover information about Ruby Holler?

Short Answer

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

1. What is Sairy’s approach to conflict in her relationship with the twins?

2. Why do the twins refuse to do simple things such as sitting in the Moreys’ rocking chair or touching their whittled boats?

3. What surprises the twins the most about living with the Moreys?

4. How do the Moreys react when they learn the twins tried to run away from Ruby Holler?

Paired Resource

The Incredible Bond Between Twins

• This 7-minute video explores the connection twins share.
• A shared theme is The Fear of Separation.
• Why do scientists believe twins have a special bond? How do Florida and Dallas portray this special bond?

Chapters 33-48

Reading Check

1. What marks the location of oil on Ruby Holler, according to Mr. Trepid?

2. What has Dallas forgotten on his hike with Sairy?

3. What does Z find buried under one of the stone piles?

Short Answer

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

1. What do the Moreys learn about Dallas and Florida’s past? How do Sairy and Tiller react differently to this information?

2. How do Tiller and Sairy connect the experiences of the twins to their own feelings and experiences?

3. Aside from their hope to never be separated, what may indicate the twins have a special bond with one another?

4. What do Mr. and Mrs. Trepid do to indicate that they may acquire a vast sum of money? What does it reveal about their intentions toward the Moreys?

Paired Resource

“Understanding Empathy”

• This 2-minute video describes the purpose of empathy and its benefits.
• A shared theme is The Fear of Separation.
• Why is empathy important? What are ways individuals can increase their empathy? How do the Moreys empathize with Dallas and Florida?

Chapters 49-66

Reading Check

1. Who is Z in relation to the Moreys?

2. Who is the mother of Dallas and Florida?

3. Who rescues Tiller from the river?

Short Answer

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

1. How does Z have a change of heart regarding the Moreys? What personal factors may contribute to his new outlook?

2. How do Dallas and Sairy react differently to the boys who agree to watch their backpacks? What can be attributed to their varying perspectives?

3. Why is it risky for Florida to attempt to rescue Tiller? How is she able to do so?

4. What motivates the twins to leave the Moreys? What ultimately stalls their decision?

Recommended Next Reads 

Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech

• This novel is about a 13-year-old girl who suspects she may be responsible for the unexpected death of her aunt.
• A shared theme is The Fear of Separation.
• Shared topics include loss, outdoor exploration, and family.
• Chasing Redbird on SuperSummary

Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz

• This novel is about a girl whose frequently absent mother attempts to reconnect with her children.
• Shared themes include The Fear of Separation and Escape and the Pursuit of Freedom.
• Shared topics include family conflict, identity, and loss.
• Becoming Naomi León on SuperSummary